Are you sure she only have 44 days? My thai gf applied for 4 weeks but did get 60 days (or even 90). This was eu/shengen. Look in her passport, maybe you will be lucky :)
well when you try to do it the right way in Thailand you always end up like you are the stupid one so yes your are right but it will take at least 50 years for some things to change here :) meanwhile I enjoy not paying tax and drive drunk with no helmet :)
First time when apply you get 90 days single entry. After that you can apply for 1 year multi. If you want an extension instead of leaving the country you need thaistaff and some other requirements.
So theoretically if you only want to setup a company you need a visa for conduct business BUT you need a workpermit to sign documents (this is consider work) so the best option if you only want to open company or work is the first option.