What was surreal?

Unfortunately there's no such thing as "de facto" in Thailand. Many other countries do recognise that if you've lived together for a year despite the incorrect postings by others (Australia for example).

Good luck that's a really hard situation for you right now. I decided to stay in Thailand to avoid the risk of being separated long-term from my Thai family.

Landed there yesterday and had the easiest fastest hassle free flight ever.

@Rich *******

excellent! Yes not a good time to leave, time to get a long term visa sorted out this is a great place to be while the rest of the world goes crazy.

@Rich *******

despite the title, elite visa holders are not currently allowed into the country but that may change soon.

@Amber ******

yes unless you are prepared to be possibly stuck unable to return my advice is do not leave at all right now.

@Bobby *******

yes hope for the best but plan for the worst I always say......

Very likely that you won't be able to return for a while so choose which place you'd rather be stuck in. Just the way it is now unfortunately.

What sort of visa you are on now may be important. Looks like you may have until Sept 20 or so to get it sorted out now.

@Jeremy ********

imagine how expensive the flights will be if they can't bring passengers into Thailand and can only take 50 per flight back to Australia....... I saw one the price was 340,000 baht.......