Is it better to use the METV or standard tourist visa on arrival for long stays in Thailand?

If you're going to be doing 2 entries with 1 extension, don't do the extension on your first entry.

It really sets off some officers if you do 60 + the 30 day extension, followed by leaving and returning shortly.

It's much better and safer if you just do 60, bounce out and return, then get the extension on the 2nd entry.

Last year I did 2 visa exempt+ extentions. Told at immigration last week to get a visa next time. Immigration office at Ubon Ratcha thani was almost empty for the first time in 10 years. Not allowing many extentions

Second entry maybe only a 7 day extension

Is this going to be your pattern every year or will it vary, that's the key question? You might not get a 30 day extension on the 2nd entry should you want one.

Metv is the way to go ,its not possible to work the system anymore get the correct visa

The visa on arrival is just for 15 days and can't be extended. You're talking about visa exempt entry (also called visa waiver). It's not the same.

If your pattern is roughly five months per year split into two stays with a clear break outside Thailand, visa-exempt entry can still work in practice, provided your overall history remains consistent with genuine tourism and you always have onward tickets, accommodation, and funds. That said, it carries more discretion risk over time, especially if repeated year after year. An METV is usually the safer and more predictable option for this type of recurring winter stay. While it still requires exits every 60 days (or 90 with extensions), it signals intent more clearly and reduces questions at entry compared to repeated visa-exempt use. However, it’s important to note that even an METV is not a guarantee for long-term or repeated seasonal stays in Thailand over time, as immigration will still look at overall travel patterns and total time spent in the country.

A VOA is not 60 days. You mean the entry with no visa which is "visa exempt". You may have issues doing the exempt entry and extensions repeatedly resulting in being refused entry. The METV might be better.

Yes

At the moment

METV is a good choice

For 5 continuous months in Thailand