That’s what I’d recommend. Use a family members address or even a mail service address. Schwab banking and you can withdraw your money from any ATM and have the fees credited back to your account each month.
Check LinkedIn for any possible field matches but it is difficult any way you look at it. Teaching is an option if you have a bachelor’s degree in any field and are a native English speaker. They start hiring again in force come April.
A Bachelors degree is required to legally teach in Thailand irrespective of your experience in SA. People have been hired to teach without but usually from in country. It’s still not legal.
Not assuming anything about your finances but if they’re very good you might consider the LTR visa for wealthy individuals rather than the retirement visa.