Steve Reevesyep... the rules are how they are - the enforcement differs from time to time and from place to place - so just follow the rules. It IS their contry and hence their rules.
They are tightening up the misuse of their visa rules... respect the rules and you have no problems. Try to misuse them and you are in for a surprise... the rules will be enforced!
The ask:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.