Sharing recent experience with Covid extension in Phuket.

I arrived on an APEC entry in September last year. I have had 2 previous Covid extensions as I genuinely cannot return to Hong Kong as it is almost impossible to secure government approved quarantine accommodation.

The Chinese Embassy cannot assist me in any way as I am not a Chinese citizen (UK Passport and HK Permanent Resident), so no possibility of a letter, or even a letter to say they cannot give me a letter.

I had been previously told by the same office, under the order that ended 25 March, that an APEC entry could not be extended. The current order refers to Tourist visas and Non-Immigrant visas. APEC is more of a limbo visa since it is neither of these but has characteristics of both.

I went the day before applying to enquire, and after explaining my situation and a bit of to-and-froing between officers, I was told that I could apply.

The TM30 printout from my hotel that I had used successfully for the last 2 applications was unacceptable. I was told that they needed the screen print of the yellow page with my record, but the officer messaged my hotel and said she would ask them to send the format she needed and handed me back what the hotel had given me.

My application was accepted and 24 hours later I had my 60 day extension. Unlike before, there was no under consideration stamp.

With all the Visa issues people have been having, I decided it was probably best to get the retirement Visa, since I waited 6 years to be old enough to qualify. I have the 800k and saved hard enough in the last 6 years to not have to worry about not having the "800k" for maybe 15 more years. My first application will be from my own country using funds from bank accounts there. Apparently I can get close to 2 years leaving before the date (if that is still allowed) and returning. Future extension done from Thailand with funds in a Thai account.

So my question is, given all the crap people are going through, has anyone on a retirement Visa been given a hard time at immigration? I am hoping when everything is done correctly there are no problems. I am a little concerned that even when you do everything they ask for, someone probably got put through the ringer just for immigration staff trying to 'do their job'. Should I have 20k on me? Details of my property here? Or is just having a retirement (non O) sufficient for a non hassle return to Thailand?

Edit note:. I have for the last two years used an APEC entry (90 days Visa waiver, allowed 1-2 days to work without permit). So I have around 12 entries into Thailand in the passport (3 month stint with an Ed Visa in the middle of APEC enties) The APEC is a golden ticket, but does not allow my name on my property (needs a Non O). So I am getting a Non O