No, not true, it's embassy dependent. What i've just learn is that u need to complete the process in the same embassy that u got ur under consideration from. Also, some embassy like Phuket still don't ask people to go complete the process. I think also Samui and some more. Chiang Mai now ask to go but there is no overstay if u go late so u go when u can. I am in Khon Kaen but did under consideration in CM because I had to get Canadian embassy letter there. I cannot go to CM atm and embassy understand.
It does NOT depend on the office. You can go and pay if u like giving away money, but everyone was extended until April 30 free of charge already. Might now be until July 31, let's see.
This news is basically nothing... "The order includes allowing tourists whose visa expired on or after 26 March to be automatically extended for 30 days. "
This does nothing for many of us. My visa-exempt extension ended on March 28 and I was given 20 days for 2nd extension, this only means that I don't need to go to embassy to get an additional 10 days on April 17, I am good until April 27 or April 30.