Why has the Thai visa extension process become more rigorous recently?

VISA EXTENSION — WHEW!

I have applied for and received three Thai visa "30-day" extensions over the past few years, and when I applied today, (well, tried to, but ran out of time,) it was the most rigorous application of all four.

Here is what I needed:

1. Standard form (2 copies)

2. Overstay fine acknowledgment (2 copies)

3. Copies of three passport pages (2 copies)

4. Photograph of me, and not the cheap color copies I have been passing off. (I went to a vendor for "official" ones.) (2 copies)

5. Letter from U.S. embassy (2 copies)

6. Email proof that I asked the embassy for the letter (2 copies)

7. My landlord's ID card and license papers (3 copies, 1 for me)

8. My lease agreement with my landlord (3 copies, 1 for me)

Not complaining, here. In fact, I am glad that I can visit a small office, (Mae Sai, in Chiang Rai,) where the workers are VERY friendly, even making the duplicate copies for me. But, I'm wondering why the sudden increase in paperwork? Anyone else experience this?