Not true. It's very difficult for a Thai person to visit a western country even pre covid. Many expats want to take their wives and girlfriends back home to visit but cant get a Visa yet nearly every westerner could come to Thailand pre Covid. Most if the people here in Amnesty made no attempt to return home and cant expect indefinite amnesty. There have been half empty flight leaving Thailand for months but people saw it as a loophole to stay. unfortunately some people did lose a lit if money buting tickets on flights that were cancelled.
What is classed as living in Thailand? Is owning a house or a current rental agreement enough? For people staying here in an over 50 basis is that classed as living here?
Your agent must have given them a good back hander as I was told by everyone at immigration that to change to a non-O 90 day you needed ar least 30 days remaining. Did you get an extension to your visa exemption giving more than 30 days and have to show funds in bank etc???