A reputable lawyer, like Samui business in Maenam, can streamline the seemingly daunting red-tape. I printed the pile of documents officially required, he just extracted a cv and another paper from the pile, smooth process, 20 to 30,000 baht first year, renewal 5000
Consider they're all aspiring bestselling authors, they just have to start somewhere, home in their writing skills until their condescending aplomb morphs into entertaining wit (in short, twits) 🙄
Start or buy a small company, hire your thai partner as staff with thai social security, this allows you to exit for visa once a year instead of every 3 months. (recommended by my lawyer)