that would logical and the country makes money!! Thailand loves messing with people! If border bounces are so damn bad then why even have them? People come here spend lots of money and have to deal with an immigration officer you might be in a bad mood, it’s crazy
I don’t exactly remember the process but I just renewed my and it sure wasn’t that difficult. Sent my passport to the embassy, paid online through their app with a credit card, sent along with my passport a couple pictures and the form and 2 weeks later had a new passport. Oh and paid for the 100 baht for return postage.