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I've done multiple Type O visas for Thailand. I usually just drive from Vegas to LA for work, drop off application and fee, and pick up the next day. I have picked up same day by dropping off early AM around 8AM, and it was ready by 1pm for pickup. My first one I did thru the mail, and it took about 9 days. I used priority mail both ways. I have never used the Embassy in DC, as I have never had any issue with LA. I would use LA from my experience. And the good news is I believe they reduced the quarantine to 10 days now, or it is in the works. Be ready for the sticker shock when you see what they charge you to stay in the State Authorized resort for quarantine. It would be cheaper to wait a few months if possible to avoid it. I have the STV visa in my passport, but didn't use it due to the nightmare of the quarantine and everything you need to even enter. Total for the hotel and visa fees you are going to be out around 4000 US dollars. Then add airfare, and the food and meals you will have to order in for the 14 days, plus the 3 covid tests you will be taking at 3000 Baht a shot. it adds up really quickly. I would already be retired there if it wasn't for the cost to even just get into the country currently. I'll struggle thru a little more of the good old USA, since I see a few vaccines on the horizon. A good majority of the population should be done by end of April, early May, and I am hoping Thailand will reopen then.

Look at the visa endorsement.  If it say CCDB then the packet is "electronic".

When you send directly via an ACH Transfer, does your bank charge anything for this?

Citibank ATMs at Asoke BTS station break out the fee separately on the receipt so no request necessary.   Heard some banks roll the fee into the withdrawal...(pull out 5000 baht, receipt will show 5200 baht).  In that case, some people reported that they had to contact Schwab, but had no issues getting the credit. 
   

This link provides the daily exchange rate used by the Schwab ATM card.  Zero transaction and ATM fees.
https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/travel-support/exchange-rate-calculator.html

I can vouch for this method - I use it every month. I have a credit union that doesn't charge for transfers, so only pay about $5 for sending less than $2000 and it usually arrives in Thailand in less than 48 hours. Haven't tried Transferwise yet but thinking one of these will be the best option when I retire in a few years.

We use Transferwise every month. It's great

transfer wise i highly recommend.  Sometimes it arrives within 24 hours.  

Just checking in after years. We had a rough 11 months getting my wife here, but it has been well worth it.
USCIS tripled fees and doubled the wait times as we started this.
Hang in there folks, it IS worth all the effort if the hearts are cool. She's studying for her citizenship test now.