My immigration office in Phichit told me if I left a holiday away from my home or stayed somewhere in a hotel and came back to my home and phichit that I did not have to report within 24 hours 
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.