I was saying to a friend today the whole thing might be a new record in the Thai government's competition for the most idiotic and nonsensical regulation as well as the fastest flip-flop.
But then going on to say "most likely to the permanent resident visa" is another record on top of it. Why for PR's? EVERYone is already in the country in the exact same way as all other foreigners and indeed all Thais. Being in the country and thus being of equal Covid-risk as everyone else has nothing, nothing whatsoever, to do with visa type. Bureaucratic stupidity at it's best, again.... Probably just a flimsy attempt at a face-saving exit from the whole thing.
When this came out this morning I just thought this is so idiotic, they will surely backtrack on it. I didn't have to wait long this time