Writing this from the detention center, which is of course a common experience for millions, so I have no right to complain. Perhaps a little explanation of the situation though. I have been living in Thailand for 20 years, taking care of my family with 2 children here, building a house, and frequently supporting my wife's extended family. As I travelled a lot, I used all kinds of different visa formula's, including short term ones, all approved by immigration officials abroad and in the country. During the last arrival, I was interrogated and they suggested I obtain more serious long term visa. The problem is that these require a substantial freeze on a bank account, which I do not have. The provincial immigration of Chiang Mai province did an extensive inquiry into my status and recommended a family visa, for which I got an extension. We spent a day and half in various offices, so we assumed we were safe. It is that extension that is not recognized by the airport immigration officials. They are of course doing their job and following rules as they interpret them, but I do regret I could not make my case at all. I spend less than 80 seconds talking to the officials and they did not want to listen to my wife's explanations. I don't want to complain about the Thai officials however, they are always courteous.