ahh OK. Pity as it would be useful. But with a long term standard visitor visa at least you'll be able to come and go as you please for the 5 or 10 years. My partner is on a 2 year visa ATM, we will apply for a 5 or 10 year
not necessarily correct. I think that rule applies in Bangkok, possibly other areas but not in Pattaya. You can get a residence certificate on tourist visa.
What you could do is apply for the METV, while you're waiting you could fly to Thailand and enter visa exempt and get 30 days. When your METV gets approved, you can exit thailand and activate the visa on reentry. Then follow what Brandon has said.