As a couple from the uk we have this problem, my husband got his retirement visa here in Thailand and I have had a tourist visa, until we go back to the UK and then I can be granted a non O visa to follow my husband (which the embassy in London said they will do) and then I am able to get a year extension here in Phuket to trail husbands visa (which I have been told here is possible)
So not so easy but doable and worth it once it’s done