Sorry mate but that's just Thailand doing typical Thai things. I lived five years in Thailand. In Asian culture, the authority figure or senior makes a decision and you are expected to comply. As guests in the country, we are always juniors to the authorities.
How is it possible that people cannot realize this and plan? OP: best advice is get out as soon as possible, the less your overstay the less severe the consequences will be
Nah you can get way less. Subscribe to secret flying and monitor the main airport hubs. You can find a cheap connecting flight and then another one onward from there (like Athens or Istanbul)
sadly I agree. The culture sucks. Thailand is paradise if you mind your own business and keep to yourself but get involved with Thai bosses or any people in positions of authority and it's a nightmare.