I would certainly prefer to be with my spouse in Thailand. Ignore the jealousy here proper dick heads. Some have offered you good advice and I agree,consult a professional. Retirement visa sounds the best.
ofcourse you can be in love and not even meet. I know plenty of couples who started like this. One of them got married ! I am sure this man knows what he is doing,its his life. Yes he may regret it, but if he doesn't try he will never know. And that is the worse regret to have.