Got exactly same problem.
WP docs say that thumbnails can be enabled for post and/or for pages(!):
https://codex.www.ads-software.com/Function_Reference/add_theme_support#Post_Thumbnails
But only there. On all other places only posts are mentioned ?!?
Also, when I enable thumbnails for pages I can select one for every page.
It works well in admin part. But in template I can’t picture I uploaded with the_post_thumbnail() ?!?
Also for that function docs says that it must be inside loop?!? Why if I’m using thumbnail attached to page, not to post.
I’m new to WP, but constantly I’m finding some illogical docs, examples…
Please, help, advice.