honestly the visa runs are the cheapest if you're okay with the hassle. just cross into laos or cambodia every 60 days, get a 30 day stamp on return, and repeat. costs like 2-3k baht per trip including the bus and visa fee. works for about 2 years before immigration starts questioning you

the retirement visa route is another option people don't talk about much. you only need 800k in a thai bank for 3 months before applying. if you're over 50 it's super straightforward. some guys pool money with friends to borrow for the 3 month period then return it after

the marriage visa is prob the most underrated. if you marry a thai citizen it's like 2k baht for the extension each year. no need for the 800k if you can show 40k monthly income. plenty of people do it legitimately, not just for the visa

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the cheapest way is probably the volunteer visa, not the student one. some thai-based ngo's or even certain meditation centers will sponsor a "non-b" volunteer visa for like 10k baht a year. you don't actually have to work, just check in every 90 days. i'd skip the bogus company thing, they're cracking down on that now and you could get blacklisted. just find a legit place on khao san road that does the paperwork.

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fwiw the elite visa is the most straightforward if you have the cash upfront. 5 year option is like 600k baht and you don't deal with any immigration nonsense or 90 day reports. not the cheapest but you save on all the running around and paperwork fees.

there's also the thailand privilege visa which is basically the same thing rebranded. some people split the cost with a friend by doing a joint application but i think they closed that loophole. if you're under 50 and don't want to study or volunteer it's really the only hassle free option. just make sure you use a legit agent cos there's been some scams with fake elite visa packages floating around.

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yeah Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but if you're up for a detour, try Som Tum Nua near Siam Square. their som tam pu pla ra is insane if you like the fermented fish sauce kick. way more pungent than the On Nut spot, just less grilled chicken options

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