you’re correct if you don’t live in any of the tourist areas I live on a Rice farm in North Central Thailand.  my wife and I live very comfortably on a small amount. I have the money because I have a good pension, but I save way more than I spend every month.
I hate to burst your bubble Todd, but we have a new Immigration office in Phichit i’ve been in there countless numbers of time and there has never been more than four people in the waiting room. And if you need me to send a picture, I actually can. 
Download the XE. Best place to keep up with the current exchange rate on all major currencies around the world. You can also look at the performance of $ vs ฿ for the past five years.
if you are comparing Thailand to America, you know nothing about Thailand, besides if it’s any of your business, I only mentioned it because a lot of people think you can just come to Thailand and get a job without being aware of the visa requirements. Pablo didn’t seem to mind the question why should you?