What is the best visa option for an EU citizen planning a 4-5 month stay in Thailand between September and January?

For an EU citizen planning a 4-5 month stay in Thailand from September to January, the most viable visa options include obtaining a tourist visa, which offers an initial stay of 60 days that can be extended for an additional 30 days. This would require leaving the country afterward or re-entering on a new tourist visa or via visa exemption, each option potentially involving border runs. Alternatively, considering a multi-entry tourist visa might be beneficial as it provides a total of 6 months of stay but would also necessitate a border run or extensions during that period. Suggestions for elite or retirement visas are deemed impractical for stays shorter than six months, and it is noted that EU citizens should consult their specific nationality's visa regulations.