Wow, this guy is pretentious and assumptive as hell. Malcolm was only asking for a decent hotel that is fairly priced, which I think most people in this group can relate too. Doesn't mean he is beg packing or bad at all. You sir, are giving bad impressions not us lol
You can come to Thailand at get the 30 day visa exemption stamp when you land, then extend it at immigration for another 30 days (1,900 Baht) so you can 60 days that way. Maybe that would be easier.
I recently got my Non O visa based on Marriage from London. Was very simple, proof of funds (I think it was 1400 GBP per month for 3 months), a copy of your marriage certificate (original needs to be seen too) and the visa fee, application and photos. Was very easy.
We were married in Thailand and we had our certificate translated anyway, so I am not sure about the translation requirements tho.
Air Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is always a decent price. Or there are a few bus trips you can do to Laos or Cambodia which are fairly cheap. Not sure of the price though :)
For my visa it was 2k a month going into the account. But a guy before me got questioned as his balance was too low, unjust showed a statement from another account tho and all was ok :)