Background I've been coming to Thailand as a tourist for over two decades (30 day exempts, TV's and a few Non 'O' back in the days of getting them over the counter at consulates).
My current 10 year Passport is drawing to a close in a few months time and will need renewing.
It contains 7 or 8 years worth of TVs at 3 or 4 trips a year of just under 45days (the per trip maxima of my yearly insurance).
Never previously had any 'interaction' with immo save for the mechanics of being stamped in/out.
In view of the trumpet blowing in media sources proclaiming basically TVs now superseded by the forthcoming 45 day (extendable) exempts I fear the memo isn't being got at the front line.
I have since the C-19 debacle cleared had one prior 30day exempt in March (extended to 60 days) as achieving my 45 day routine is now more sanely secured now this way rather than the on line hoop jumping for a TV. I landed today to the repeat the process.
The interlude with the female harridan immo officer went like this after she flipped the passport pages:
"You come to Thailand a lot"
"hardly, this is the second trip in just on three years"
She silently pawing the old visa collection
"and those accumulated in the preceding seven years"
"why didnt you get a visa?"
"they're now too much trouble, for what I need this is much easier"
I'll add here that I'm familiar with the many gambits trotted out by immigration ????
"how long are you staying this trip?"
"I haven't decided, maybe 40 days, if so I'll get an extension like last time"
"Last time you stayed two months!!"
"Yes - I hadn't travelled for over two years"
"have you got a Thai wife?" (seriously! I was for a moment though tempted to say I was flattered by the offer ????)
"No, just an early retirement the desire to vacation here and the time and money to do so several times a year"
"Next time you will get a visa"
"No, next time will be after the 1st October - I wont need any extensions or visas as you will be stamping the new 45 days visa exemption into my passport"
Stamped in 30days exempt with no further clever retort only her best snarl