It seems we got a better deal. ETA only valid for visa exempt countries but not all asean countries get to be in ETA. We will get 60 days with discretion by Thai authorities to extend another 30 days, which is more than what other asean countries got. There is also the prospect of faster clearance through ETA.
https://www.business-standard.com/f...ions-from-dec-1-know-more-124091600397_1.html
Extract below.
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Travellers holding an ETA will be able to use automated immigration clearance gates at checkpoints. By scanning the QR code provided on their ETA, visitors can enjoy faster immigration clearance, further streamlining the entry process.