One more question, and hopefully done. How early can we apply for a 30 day extension to our tourist visa? Can it be applied for as early as 30 days before the 60 day visa expires? Trying to set up a travel plan, and we will be in chiang mai 30 days into our trip but around the time of expiration, we will be in phangan. I guess samui would be the closest office to phangan, but still a bit of a hassle to go there. Thanks for any help on this issue. Hopefully there is a set rule on this, but I fear maybe not?

You are correct, as with most things at immigration the local staff set the rules. About the only thing that is standard is that the extension begins from your 60th day, so you get the full 90 days. You can certainly try 30 days early.

Phuket and Prechuap Immigration grants 30 days extension on 60 days tourist any day after arrival. I usually go next day after arrival and get certificate of recidense same time in case of buy/sell any vehicle next 90 days.