@Stuart ********

Thanks, I thought I'd read the limit from something authoritative but I'm more than happy to be corrected. The "discretion of the officer" part is deeply unsettling.

I believe there is now a set limit of 6 visa exemptions from flights within a 12 month period (so, 6 * 2 months is actually the full year, if you get the 30 day extension).

I've never used a land border but I believe the limits are much lower. I don't believe there's any requirement to be out of Thailand for any length of time (though I've always stayed away for a few nights since travel can be fun and this part of the world is very cheap).

I often check various comparison sites (annoyingly you can't just assume one will cover all airlines) and then I'll actually book direct with the airline. Booking direct is often a good idea these days.

Technically they can ask for this but I've been through Thai immigration several times and never had my return ticket checked. It was once checked going into Vietnam, but not really a bit deal, I just bought a very cheap flight in the airport. Right now, I strongly suspect Thai immigration will happily wave you through.

Pretty sure there are zero visa requirements for internal flights in Thailand. I've taken a few on just a visa exemption.

@Jason *******

I can't remember the exact timings (and I've cleared my inbox since) but I remember the steps that weren't entirely automatic were very quick (possibly within UK working hours though)

I went through the COE process just under 2 months ago for the Phuket sandbox (not entirely smooth but not a terrible experience and Phuket is incredible).

is where I applied. Read the instructions, follow them carefully. It's definitely not as simple as travel used to be, but it is managable. I panicked slightly and ended up at a slightly less than ideal hotel, but the COE was approved very quickly and it was basically fine.

A few days ago I reviewed the options. It's amber list, but France looks like it could be a reasonable option. My understanding is that France is allowing any fully vaccinated travellers.

Yep. And it's not like to go away any time soon.

Should have included in my original question that the UK's quarantine is extremely expensive. To the extent that some British travellers may genuniely find themselves in serious financial difficulties (£2285, that's well over 100 days in my current AirBnb in Phuket and perhaps double what many would budget for an entire 14 day holiday to Thailand from the UK).