The problem you are describing is a feature, actually. If you haven’t visited the topic yet, the platform assumes you would start reading from the start.
If you are logged in, the site will keep track of where you left off reading so you can pick up where you left off when you return.
I think you have missed the navigation controls. Are you on mobile or desktop?
Both have a quick way to scroll to the latest post. On desktop, it’s only one click on the time axis on the right. On mobile, it’s the green box that @Oldjoints described.
Time axis is IMHO much better than pagination.
More on navigation here: OG Forum Guide for Members