I went to the border last year with a multi entry tourist visa and they still made me pay the 2000 for 60 days. I said I thought I didn't have to pay cause I have a visa and they said if I don't want to pay I will have to stay in Malaysia for 3 days. That was my experience when I went there last time, maybe it's not the same for everyone
Some people have issues and some don't, it's just the truth. Also you stayed out for a week so it doesn't draw as much attention as a one day border run does. I have lived in Thailand for the past 3 years doing border runs on visa exempt stamps and never once had an issue. But some people do 1 or 2 and get refused entry
last week I applied at the Sydney Thai Consulate late on a Thursday night 20th and I was approved on Sunday morning 23rd. I thought they only work on business days but I got approved on a Sunday morning
Good work bro. Now that you know exactly what is needed the extensions will be a breeze for you. I'm sure you will get a million comments from Gumps saying you should have done a border run and sat in planes and airports all day 😉