Thanks for everyone's input - the conclusion is that he is being returned to the UK, no option to travel elsewhere. The return flight is provided by his original airline, but he does not have to pay for it. To clarify, he had entered twice on the exemption stamp and extended the extra 30 days on both. I think this was the main caveat. Also, he had travelled to Thailand a lot over the last few years - although always with legit entry stamps/extensions/tourist visas etc, but I think this generally counted against him as they were able to suggest he looks like he is not acting as a genuine tourist. He also got a particularly badly-mannered immigration agent, so I think in some cases he probably could have gotten through even with these circumstances. For those travelling soon bear in mind the visa application process seems to be extra long at the moment, probably due to these new rules, and beware for extra scrutiny coming in if you travel to Thailand frequently.

Thanks everyone for your comments, am going to see about an agent or lawyer.

Andy Falconer Thank you, don't supposed you have any to recommend? I have tried a couple but no one is responding as its the weekend now.

@Tod ********

Okay thank you.

Ah, i see. If he hasn’t filed it already, can he simply file it now?

@Christian ********

Hey again, I was just wondering exactly what you showed them for TM30. My Airbnb host didn’t seem to know what I was talking about and hadn’t filled in the form and submitted it. I’ve had him fill out the forms, is this okay to show immigration, or should I have something further?

Thanks 🙏🏻

@Tod ********

Many thanks!