My position is (as if that counted for anything with the U.S. Embassy) The Letter is a Win/Win situation for Thailand and the Tourist or Expat on a Multi-Entry Non O or B... The people who get to stay for 30 days to get through this shutdown will spend money that Thailand says they want and need... Win/Win.
Thai Immigration seems to think that serious overstayees may get to stay and that's a bad thing. Well Damn. Immigration can certainly tell the difference between legitimate tourists and Expats needing 30 days and absconders who have overstaying for years.
I did have a thought today...some Imm. I/Os don't want to take the pressure of us who are caught in the middle 'cause that pressure induces a bribe offer for the 30 days.
Jonathan, how did you request this letter from the embassy? By email letter, visit to the embassy, phone call? And how did they send it to you - email pdf or?
Seems from what I read the Border Check Points at Nong Khai / Lao Bridge and Mukdahan / Savannakhet Bridge are not on that list and will remain open for the time being. Pending further announcements