As troublesome as it has become = those gaming the tourist visa system -- to live long-term in Thailand = get the message = the good Ole days of Thailand being the Best/easiest place to live in SE Asia
It's over folks
The new reality is here
My opinion =
The Thai government is making a huge mistake in making it so hard to stay longterm.
But it IS their country and they will do as they please.
My thought is= they are thinking 20++ years in the past when Hippies came with little or no money and stayed forever.
I think today = most trying to stay (without the complicated retirement visa process have plenty of money to spend) and will infuse Billions of Baht.
Again I'll say
It IS up to the Thai government = socstop whining and di it by the rules or suffer the consequences
And keeping in mind = the Thai authorities pretty much interpret "laws/regulations " at a local level= you never really know 'what are the rules" = it's 🇹🇭