If you are only wanting to do a total of 6 months you get 60 days on arrival, pay 1900 Bhat each for an additional 30 days. Leave the country by land for a day. Get another 60 days and then do another 30 day extension within Thailand.
Thank you for this - it isn't a big deal if I don't get the full added benefits. I am not using it as a way to merely stay longer in a country. Being able to use the APEC entry line to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand is a nice benefit for me either way.
I understand that. By then my dealings will be completed. I'm laying the groundwork for early retirement and after this 5 year period doubt I would reapply unless things pick up elsewhere (like the Philippines).