I know quite a few people who have Thai wives, doing jobs and business and they have been living more than 20 years and still on 1 year visa extension. None of them even got long term visa or residence permits.
, opening a bank account in Thailand by a foreigner nowadays is very difficult or even impossible. Many foreigners' bank accounts are frozen for a screening process due to prevent illegal activities. However, please check before you move. Best wishes.
Many foreigners are taking advantage of visa exemption and extension and involve themselves in illegal work and businesses and other criminal activities. Consequently, the Thai government is forced to take proper actions.