FFS. Just get a retirement visa. You don't need to actually be retired, just be over 50 and have money.

Get the METV - this is what it was designed for.

If you're in a hurry and it's your first visit you can just enter Thailand visa exempt, then you'll have 60 days to sort it out, and 30 more if you extend. After that you can exit Thailand and apply for a DTV in a neighboring country (check first - they each have their own rules and requirements). For the funds you'll have to figure it out - take a loan or otherwise find a way to show the cash in a bank account.

Before 50: DTV + dependent visas

After 50: retirement visa + dependent visas

Anytime (expensive but less hassle): Thailand Privilege visa

After your daugher turns 20 she will need her own visa (work, privilege, student, etc)

You've answered yourself: you can't get a work permit on retirement visa. While still technically illegal, you could offer online fitness and nutrition coaching. One way to market yourself would be creating free content (reels, YouTube) - you won't make (much) money from doing that, but people who find it helpful may be interested in coaching later. (probably best to avoid Thailand-based clients though)

@Andrew *******

Not aware of any changes. Can you point me at the news?

@Cary ***

If you actually got a proper tourist visa (not exempt) you're unlikely to get any trouble. Having said that, yes- your long term solution is DTV. But if you're already applying for tourist visa why not just apply for DTV?

In the words of a friend: Thailand is like disneyland for men - if you have money. Philippines is more like a second rate theme park surrounded by landfills - but you can still have fun there cheaper.

@Andrew ******

Having cash on you won't help if they decided to deny you.

@Darin *******

How did you get notified?