METV = too much paperwork + only available from home country + visa runs

ED = what if you just come to relax?

Marriage = what if she's just your gf?

Retirement = only for old people

Elite visa = unavailable to recent ED/Volunteer holders, silly pricing vs DTV

DTV = too much paperwork (application or in-country extension), even DTV holders being harassed at airport now

Non-B (WP) = higher cost, fake company

Even including fast track/safe entry costs, flying in on tourist exempt is still the least bureaucracy and hassle. Respect the hustle.

So much abuse! Why don't they crack down on visa run agencies and fast track services?

With your history you took a big risk flying into BKK without fast track. That system-level note sounds cursed. Most immigration offices are now likely to deny future tourist extensions, so you'd be doing a border run (or fast track flight) every 60 days. Get a DTV.

My friend with experience in this situation said your son is a special VIP visitor who should book airport fast track service through a reputable visa agent. Cost: 2500-4000 THB.

Faster and cheaper than 'get a proper visa from Malaysia', or doing a land border entry. He also said that whoever bothers with a sob story with a 'return flight', 'proof of accommodation' and '20k THB in cash' is simply not appreciating the game.

Welcome (back) to Thailand.