Maybe she was just having a bad day. It happens sometimes in life. You got through so what good does it do to complain. If it makes you felt better good for you.
nowhere do I see he is booking a ticket. The point of his post is “one way ticket”. Then he references “thinking “ about traveling to neighboring countries.
I’m certain it is a Non-O visa which doesn’t require (yet) insurance. I’m on a Non-O but have insurance. I have not had any issues with insurance payment issues.
There are things that are open, but it is absolutely not as you remembered if you have been here before. I’m talking strictly tourist areas. Phuket is pretty much a ghost area, especially in Patong, Karon and Kata. If you want a low key, peaceful environment with a lot of places you normally see opened are closed then this is your place. I got to Phuket in December and all I can say is OMG this place is deserted compared to what was going on in 2019.