my suggestion is this, go to Vientiane, Laos stay there for at least 1 month and cross to Thailand border if they denie you of entry at least less hassle right, compared flying from UK to Thailand and then denie of entry at the airport. If ever they denie you of entry, then proceed with your backup plan. Additionally, bring your OS penalty receipt with you (if you kept it) as your proof just incase if IO asks you about your OS. You should not be worry too much, and to be honest Thailand show more leniency to foreigners as long we dont cause trouble.

@Michael ********

yah looks like it. there is something a reference on page 18 of your passport.

no. you don't have to. they have removed that policy during pandemic. you only required to do your TM30 whenever you arrived Thailand from international flight or whenever you change your residency.

plenty of 2nd hand iPhones in thailand, thats a guarantee! 🙂 price varies depending on the battery lifespan from 6,000 to 10,000 baht. one mall you can find hundreds “literally” of iphones are in Seacon Square srinakarin, you can find it from other small to medium size malls too. believe me, plenty of iphones here that are still in good condition, just don’t buy from those posted in social media, you can but be careful of scammers.