@Bobby *******
even before I had two year visa extensions and a work permit I was always looking out, well before COVID as to the best way to stay here long term legally for longer periods and I've been through multiple visas since 2013 :)
I don't want to be unfair - there may be a few who are legitimately stuck here but many of these people are not even trying at this point. In Chiang Mai, it's not that expensive to enroll with a Thai language school or even a self-defense class with the equivalent of a year-long ED visa (90 days + 3 x 90 day extensions) if people really wanted to stay without drama. For those over 50 I believe Non-Imm O's are available within Thailand now as well.