2 hours ago, BritTim said:

When there is a rogue office, it helps if you name it. That helps others using the same office to appreciate that they cannot rely on the official rules. I gather that, at least, you were not fined.

It was at Loei Immigration 

11 hours ago, Phulublub said:

Been on extentions to retirement visa for 7 years.  Covid apart have travelled abroad multiple times every year and have never filed a new TM30.  Renewal no problem, doing it myself (so no agent "help" to bypass anything)  at Jomtien.

 

Suggest you ask Jomtien Immigration again as there's different reports regarding the need for filing a TM30 on returning to Thailand. Best to be safe and file. Use the online filing app to do so.

 

Nobody can answer this question as it all depends on how your local office interpret the rules. There is lots of advice on here about how their local office work but that doesn't help you unless the experience is from the same immigration office you use. Just call your local office and and ask them.