Visa exempt entry is not a solution for long term stay in Thailand. It would seem an O or OA visa with appropriate extensions of stay and reentry permits are for you. You could enter visa exempt to apply for the O visa inside Thailand.
It is ridiculous that one idiot is able to cause so much angst. The vote will be overwhelming for you to stay Tod. Your work is appreciated more than you will ever know. THANKS.
As a kiwi about to retire to Thailand I investigated both SETV and METV on the NZ Thai embassy website and found the requirements pretty onerous. I suggest the OP looks at the website.