What should I expect when re-entering Thailand after a long overstay during COVID-19?

Appreciate the post. I’m leaving for Vietnam this month and returning to Thailand in a couple of month , so that I can catch my return flight home. Frankly speaking , I’m a little worried about having difficulty being allowed to come back into the Kingdom. Never had a problem before but it seems that others are now experiencing scrutiny from immigration. I’ve never overstated and have always followed the rules but the “rules” appear to be changing. Last time I went through the BKK airport checkpoint , I was advised to get a visa. I actually had to speak briefly with a supervisor before being allowed to enter. It was disturbing to say the least. To obtain a visa ( METV ) I’m told I have to apply from my home country. That would mean flying 24,000 miles round trip and the another 12,000 miles to go home. That’s insane.