Anonymous participant 984 groundless speculation. There's too much of that going on. We should stick to real and known events rather than imaginary ones!
I have a theory about visa exempt border runs. If you are going to end up being tax resident or look like you're at risk of it then you run a good chance of being denied entry. For example if it's June and you've already done over 100 days in the country then at the rate you're going you are likely to end up tax resident. (180 days in a calendar year) So I think it's rather the case that they don't want you tax resident on visa exempt entries for one reason or another.
Over positive mindset. Let's all bury our heads in the sand. I've always managed in Thailand, but it sure can be frustrating sometimes. Thai people definitely get frustrated too! I've never had a visa application rejected btw. I read the complaints of people and bear them in mind. Something to perhaps look out for. I can filter the nonsense, and take the useful parts. We all know that politicians make laws. We all know that politicians are not the best of people. So go figure.
Long long ago, people lived in Thailand for years on visa exempt border runs. You could get a bank account no questions asked. I got an O visa simply by saying I was visiting friends and submitting a guarantee letter from my parents who are English and live in England. At some point around 2005, an agent was caught taking people's passports on border runs. Fast forward to now.....