Certainly Jomtien Immigration check if going for a non imm O or extension. Fine is 2,000 baht max. As someone suggested above you could stay in hotel for a night who should report to Immigration, check before you book there
If he went to only one branch and stopped looking he's a Quitter. Need to try many branches, prioritise farang areas, requirements vary so go to branches and ask. No need to buy insurance or use an agent
Drink driving is normal here for Thais, even my lawyer friend drink drives. Farangs should know better, but a lot of shady farang in Pattaya.
Early morning when I'm out cycling i have to look out for drunk drivers
For you the agent route is not so bad, 1 year only as you will easily be able go legit for the next extension as your 800k will be in there over a year
I tried many reds around 400 and all bar 1 was average which was disappointing i.e. might as well just pick any at that price and it will be similar, so yes need to pay more, maybe will help
Remember Facebook friends aren't real friends.
I get friend requests from "pretty" girls but if you look at their photos they are obviously fake just trying to build up friends for scamming or troll purposes