I haven’t lived in Thailand in over 15 years, but outside of Taipei or the other kaioshung prices are very reasonable. Trains go all around the island, and buses as well so it is easy to travel without a car here.
Depending on your citizenship, you can get 60 days, then pay a 1900 baht fee per person to extend for 30 days more. Then you can leave and generally repeat. However, since you need to leave anyways, consider doing a real trip somewhere else. Plug for Taiwan where I currently live, it is safe, clean, great public transportation, and you can experience Chinese culture without China! Taiwan gives 90 days on arrival to many countries. Also there are often very cheap flights to Taipei from Bangkok. I do the reverse for my 90 day border runs from Taiwan.
the original poster is retired, as am I. So your constant harping on “who taxes the income “ simply doesn’t apply. I haven’t had a salary for ten years I have made millions from investments, and business. Your claim is simply untrue, except for people like you, making your small salary in Thailand.