DinT

Despite the wording in the announcement, it's not just how you entered. I thought I might be able to get an extension since I entered as visa exempt. But I was told by immigration at Chiang Mai and Lampang, a friend who used to work at Chaeng Wattana, and a couple of agents: if you have held a Non-B since you have entered you will not be granted an extension. Might be different with the Non-O and obviously different offices enforce the rules differently.

That's encouraging! Was this after the Jan 26 rule changes?

Waited a few days after the announcement to see if things would get cleared up but I can't find a definitive answer. I arrived in Thailand in March 2020 on a visa exemption (UK). Rode the visa amnesty to Sep 2020 when I got a Non-B. I cancelled that Non-B and my work permit in Feb 2021 and have been using back to back Covid extensions ever since. Now the wording of the announcement suggests that since I arrived on a Visa exemption I should be alright to get another covid extension. I'm wondering though if I have technically been extending my (cancelled) Non-B, and will be denied based on that. The general impression I'm getting is that it depends on that branch's interpretation of the new rules and the temperament of the officer on the day you apply. I'm in Chiang Mai and I haven't had any issues so far, but I thinking of using an agent to avoid the risk of a red stamp.