Who is "he"
If you are referring to the OP,
he asked about changes to ME non O marriage at Savannakhet.
He actually received correct answer in first posted reply.
The process is the same as pre covid.
An ME non O suits many folk perfectly.
The chit chat about use of agents was a side tract off topic.
Regarding your post about cost clearly you have no first hand experience.
The OP has not indicated that he has a current non O.
The agent would need to first obtain a non O then obtain a 12 month extension.
30k might be possible for non O and extension based on retirement.
The process based on marriage is much more expensive.
Of course I'm referring to using established companies such as ThaiVisaCentre in Bangkok and places like Maneerat in Pattaya..