You can do it until the officer you get decides you are breaking the “rules”.

Normally when they think you are living in Thailand, especially if they suspect illegal work.

That could be as soon as the 2nd (possibly even first) and could be years and years in a row. That would be rare without “help” for border runs but technically possible.

The officer you speak to along with their supervisors can do whatever they think is right. Most will be warned not outright denied entry first.

TLDR: you realistically can’t live on visa except entries unless you have “help” with border runs.

If you plan to stay beyond 6 months a year it makes sense to look better visa options. The new DTV is perfect for many who want this but lack the funds or desire to pay for the elite/prestige.

Can you return home to lower expenses? That way you can get the 500k balance?

That may be best for long term

You might be able to fly to South Dakota, stay in a hotel and open a mailing address and get residency and thus a new U.S. residency and DL.

That would be 100% legal under SD law. At least for us citizens. Not sure if it would work the same for UK citizens but since you have a NV license I would guess it would work.

It is a multi-entry visa good for 5 year. You can leave and enter as you want.

Each time you enter you get 180 days.

And on each entry you can extend another 180 days for a total of 360 before you have to leave.

Some have gotten it via a business (even just just self employed) and a tax return to prove it.

You may need to find someone who will use the same embassy as you or just chance it.

@Kami *****

US passport holders can extend up to 36 months total in country and leaving and reentering resets it.

Makes a good home base in Asia.

But get a feel for different countries and their rules before deciding.

In many ways I prefer Thailand but PH is way easier for staying in without grey areas.

@Kami *****

if you are not tied to TH I would suggest spending more time outside of it.

Also consider adding other countries to your list. Some like PH (Philippines) are very easy for long term stays. While others are much harder.

Being more nomadic or staying in easier countries helps not have issues.

@Roberto ********

summery of the rules and how they will be applied.

@Roberto ********

is there a good source you are aware of that actually lays out realistically what it looks like?

I would suggest visiting other similar countries first.

One can be a long term tourist in some (Philippines is basically forever) while being nomadic between several keeps you within the rules of being a tourist in others.

Yes there are ways to stay in Thailand long term before 50. Some are grey area and some are 100% above board.

But until you have experienced several countries and areas within each you really can’t know what you like or don’t.

Given Thailand doesn’t want people living there on the wrong visas it is worth traveling more to be sure you want to put in the effort.

Once you are 50 as long as you have the income/assets it is relatively easy to stay in Thailand.

Before that why not not make sure it is best for you?