This seems the latest fade these last few years people as young as their twenties with this fantasy they got off likely some hippy-dippy Khao San Road moocher muppet YouTube give me your money channel. Lived here going on twenty four years and of all the expats I have encountered even in their elder years most in my opinion moved here with some serious flawed ideas. Many gained knowledge from a bar stool , a beer and some alcoholic idiot expat. Just look at some of the Thai women they ended up with. Long story short YOU ARE NOT READY FOR THAILAND!
Good that at least you are asking how to do it correctly without causing problems with immigration. It seems like many just jump on the plane and land here expecting a job.