This is a copy and paste from Sue at the Liverpool Consulate earlier this year “ Consulates can no longer issue 12 month multiple entry visas and we would only be able to give you a 3 month visa and you can then make a 12 month visa in Thailand. Alternatively, you can send your application by post to London and they will issue the 12 month visa”
My mistake then...Oh well....if her information is correct I'll have saved 1,200 baht anyway as I'll be able to come back on visa exempt next time with no issues 🤞🏻