@Bernie ******
most people get a single entry tourist visa from the thai consulate in their country before they come here, arrive, get stamped in for 60 days, get their funds in place, apply for the 90 day Non-O visa (again no A after that), wait the two weeks it goes under review, go back get the Non-O and new 90 day stamp inked in, then when they have 30 days or less left on that and their funds are seasoned for 2 months they go apply for the year extension.
Total cost is 2000baht for the 90 day Non-O, 1900baht for a year extension and then after you get that if you want to buy a re-entry permit (so you can come and go and not lose your stamp) it's 1000baht for a single re-entry and 3800 baht for a multiple re-entry.
More and more people are opting to do the in country Non-O visa/extension rather than get an OA visa in their country (that requires the back ground check, medical certificate, proof of meeting the mandatory insurance requirement.