It happens in Bangkok too. I think they are signaling people that time is approaching (with no clear date) that we will start seeing actual rejections or discontinuation of the covid extension. One or the other will happen, and this verbal scolding is to make all of us start to at least begin to think about what our exit strategy is for that eventuality.
You don't need a visa since you're ASEAN. But you do need entry permission from Thai consulate. If you want to save money, come when the quarantine is lifted. Right now, you are looking at 27K baht for 15 days at the cheapest approved quarantine hotel. Not worth it to pay all that money stuck in a room. Just my opinion.
I got the under consideration stamp. Return on 31-Mar to get the final stamp. I'm fairly certain I will get the 30-May stamped in, but it was not without some grilling as Benjamin Hays described. Yes, it's not certain we are rounding the corner...but neither us nor Immigration has a crystal ball.
Your report was exactly my experience at Bangkok-MTT. The last time I was there(late Jan), I was told it's the last one, and must depart by end of March. Early Feb, it was announced covid extensions could now be applied for thru 30-Mar. I didn't know whether to feel excited about that, or disappointed, given I was just told I need to depart. So, I gave it a shot and applied for another extension on 17-Mar. Lady gave me the 3rd degree exactly as you described. "What's your plan? When will you leave back to America?" Stood my ground, and just said I'm making plans to. She said OK, I give you 60 days to make your plans and you need to arrange your travel to leave. I think the higher-ups are starting to issue directives to front-line staff that they must start nudging us "covid-refugees" out as we get closer to rounding the corner on this pandemic.