Please bear with me.
I moved full-time to Thailand with my Thai wife in 2018.
Stayed before, during and after covid on marriage and then retirement extensions.
In I think 2023 my Mother was seriously ill and I had to go back to my home country for 4 months and "lost/couldn't renew" my retirement visa.
Since then I have been visiting Thailand for 1, 2 or 3 months at a time but then returning to my home country because of Family commitments.
For example, my second to last trip to Thailand I stayed I think 5 weeks, then I left to my home country for 6 weeks, then last trip back for 10 days then currently back in my home country for 4 weeks.
Last entry the Immigration Officer gave me a right grilling about "not having a visa" - "I said but I don't live here full time"...after some moaning he let me in.
Since November my wife is now in the UK with me since as she has a new job.
But I have to return (again) after Songkran because she is getting some work on her house.
I am now a bit paranoid about getting stopped/refused entry arriving/relying on an Exemption on Arrival.
So, I am about to apply for a holiday visa - but NOT visiting friends and family (because I am not and she won't be there!) Although she has written me an "invite letter".
My question is: will Songkran effect my application as I intend to fly next weekend ? Or is it only effected by the holiday situation in my home country?
Or am I being paranoid for nothing?
Worst comes to the worst - can anyone recommend one of these "fast track" companies that facilitate a smooth entry?
EDIT - And what happens if I fly before I receive my E-VISA???
EDIT 2 - Never had one day overstay in 20+ years of visiting.
Many thanks.