i've never been asked to show money (i've been prepared to but never asked) Not on B visa, not on tourist stamp, nothing. but i hear tales all the time of folks who are (so I am always prepared to be able to do so, just never been asked)

Some people seem to come and go on tourist stamps without issue for a while and then suddenly, entry is denied and that's that. It's best to wait to make Thailand her base until she can meet the requirements for a proper visa. They've gotten tougher to meet but no one wants to be denied entry at the border - what a mess that could be if you've made Thailand your base especially.