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.