I think it's pretty pointless, people can come on 60-day stamp get another 30 days, then 2 border bounces, wait a week and do it again. Why bother applying.
As time goes by the wrinkles will be ironed out. As I said the issues will be when the renewals come up. Most will not get that far, they will run out of cash or get bored.
since the draft proposal to tax on global income I have not had chance to hear feedback from the "educated expats" here in Thailand, soon I have met up with a large number of "lifers" I have noticed one realtor regularly listing "latest reductions" in prices of property so maybe word is getting out. also, there are many stories now of crack downs on nominee companies used to illegally own land. Stay away from Thailand untill we have a better idea of whats becoming embedded in law.
who knows, all other visa's where there is a financial deposit required have to provide financial evidence in the form of a bank statement before renewal.
you have it the wrong way round. If I was in Europe and paid someone in Thailand, I would want their tax registration to cover my azz. been cross border invoicing my whole life always had to provide my tax id.