I have an issue with these comments about abusing the system. If one is granted a visa exemption stamp, currently valid for 60 days,( maybe to be reduced to 30,but watch this space) then that is obviously authorized by the Thai immigration authority. And if one then does a border run to acquire another 60 days,and is permitted to do this again by Thai immigration,what is the issue? If the Thai authorities didn't want to authorize this they wouldn't!
That's what's planned,but changes take time in Thailand as I'm sure you know; and often don't even get implemented! Watch this space; and how important to Thailand is tourism? Very much so,the 5th biggest industry!