What are the budget-friendly options for establishing a home base in Thailand before committing to a Retirement Visa or Non-O visa?

A single person on a tight budget looking to establish a home base in Thailand can explore several options. The more economical choices include staying on a tourist visa, particularly a multiple entry tourist visa which can extend for up to nine months, or considering alternative routes like part-time work options (e.g., truck driving) to save money while living in Thailand. For long-term residency, investing in a Retirement Visa requires having a minimum of 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account, while alternatives like marriage or other visa types exist but may also have financial requirements.