I'm on a tourist visa ... used 30 day extensions for 11 months . I've never had a problem other than only allowed 2 land crossings per year then mustvfly back in.
visa exempt I've never heard that term before after nearly 1 year dealing w Thai immigration. If it walks like a duck and quack like a duck ...it's a Duck ! All semantics
Again you are presuming way too much. You don't have nearly enough info to presume why I decided to move to Asia. Fine you're semi-retired at your age ... but you need to mature and loose the pompous attitude.
I have been staying in Thailand 11 months. I know about 2 land border crossings then by air.
I have done 4 by air.
As for a career .... you are very rude to discuss my personal finances. You don't know anything about me. As for a "career" I have worked more years than you have lived. You need to concern yourself about your career and not be so ignorant and rude about mine.