Anonymous participant 368 yes they are perfect for short stays and many tourists do use them inc DTVERS. There are fully licensed Airbnbs which are perfectly fine to stay in but many are not fully licensed and there are issues with noisy airbnbers etc which has led to many buildings now with no short stay/Airbnb signs.
I heard from a couple of Singaporeans it is much easier applying elsewhere than their own country. Can fully see why by your post but you got your DTV which is what matter the most.
Anonymous participant 368 Airbnb is widespread in Thailand but strictly speaking only allowed for stays of a month or in places licensed for short stays.