Phuket. There are some tourist areas (Patong), some expat areas (Rawai), and there are some native areas (Everywhere else).

@Chana *******

I found the Elite Visa is more more expensive than to travel to different places and staying for a couple of weeks (visa runs). I consider the Elite Visa but prefer visit different places.

You probably can get away with your Drivers License and the any paperwork from the embassy saying you're on an emergency document. They are very relaxed here.

I regularly fly with my Thai Driver's License, so I know passports are not a requirement.

Officially, no foreigner should be working a job that a Thai can do. However, they seem pretty ok with foreigners teaching English and/or teaching SCUBA, owning bars or providing visa services, so there is always a way.

Co own a company with a Thai partner would be one way to do HVAC. However, central air is uncommon and very little need for heating.

@Darren *******************

I have never been refused entry, so I don't know.

@Qing ******

Thanks for sharing

Get married

Adopt a kid

Get a job

Get wealthy

Get Education

Volunteer

Retire

Visa Runs

Those are your options. Each of various requirements and risks. I would guess retirement is the most popular, marriage is probably second most popular. Wealthy is a pretty good option if it's available to you.

I would try to stay legit. There is a difference between skirting the rules and breaking the rules.

@Paul ******

When I did my visa run there last (the same day they closed the border because of covid), there was a guy there that takes the passports, disappears, comes back an hour later, bada-bing, passport stamped in/out of Myanmar.

following

I did the back-to-back tourist visa thing for a few years, before covid. I never had any problems. Twice immigration pulled me aside talked to me a bit and let me in. Each time the IO would say 'next time you come....'. They knew I intended to stay long time.

One of the conversations with the IO, he told me its best to go to other countries for a couple of weeks each visa run.

Based on my experience I think you will be ok. However, I recommend travel with a plan b. Cross at land borders so when they deny you, you can easily travel to the next border and try again, or know you may get rejected and plan for unintended trip to SG.

I found Australia a pleasant place to spend a few weeks. A couple of the embassies there will give Americans Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. These may no longer be available.