I have read and been told by an I/0 that many Immigration Offices use this website..

I find it useful - very helpful if you want realistic rates - not pie in the sky rates.

daytodaydata.net

METV from Thai Consulate in the Home Country

I failed to mention that also after 5 or so Extensions to Exempt Entries or combined with Extensions to Tourist Visa entries, Thai Immigration may deny another 30 day Extension - giving you a denial and 7 days to leave Thailand based on belief that you are working illegally.

Yes and each 30 Day Exemption can be Extended 30 days at Immigration for 1900 baht. Total = 60. There is no official limit to Air Entry Exemptions But at some point in a year's time - maybe 5 or so they may cut you off

This is not a critical question nor is the answer.

For retirement is what I put (3 times over 3 years)

The 90 day visa you see is likely a non immigrant visa - not used for touring. A 60 day standard single tourist visa can be easily extended for 30 days at a Thai immigration office in numerous places throughout the country for 1900 baht. This would give you 90 days.

Emily, I don't blame you for wanting an easy pace to study your options. But it is naive thinking when coming to Thailand. Coming here and getting a job is a bit tough and drawn out due to several things... One being the long list of jobs we cannot hold even if offered. If you want to take a real look you should plan on a METV - multi-entry tourist visa that allows a series of 60 days stays (details later). This visa will allow you to stay up to 9 months in and out of Thailand and neighbor countries. You can use this time to make contacts with various potential employers such as international hotels, NGOs, Schools, etc. Bottom line you should have money to support yourself for 4-5-6 months. If hard working and very lucky you may find a job. Then the B Visa and Work Permit process comes into play which can be relatively straight forward but time and money consuming. Or it can become drawn out and burn money. I suggest come supporting yourself for as long as possible without a job - your first job of many months will be to find a legal job and it will be a tough one. Many hostels give jobs to young Westerners but the pay is low and they string out the unfilled promise of a B visa and Work Permit for 6 to 9 months - making it illegal as you get a string of tourist visas.

Check Tod Daniel's two long comments on this main thread. My statements here are in line with Tod's explanation of the two stage process with three visits to the immigration office. Go take a read.

Yes - an in country conversion can be done - But not a non imm O and an Extension of Stay at the same time - on the same day at the same office - as was stated up the thread.