Hi there,
I share a little experience from my past 6 years while I am living in Thailand:
you can live under $500/month outside of Bangkok.
you can stay 180days/year on a tourist visa but you need to fly out to a neighbor country at least 2 times this period
you can buy a condo starts at 1.2m THB and you have the resident visa
you can buy the Thai Elite visa for minimum 5 years if you willing to throw money away ( I do not recommend )
you can work with foreign companies on contract or full employment, that is very easy to land a job. I experienced that "falang" that has company in Thailand are super open minded and supporting. ( of course you need to double check everything and need business visa to get the work permit ). I only experienced in the IT but I am sure the options are very wide.
Living here is really uplifting and relaxing. Most Thais are really friendly and helpful. The food cheap and healthy..
What you need:
First obtain a Tourist Visa in your country for 60 days so you can get comfortable and discover the possibilities without worrying about lagal stay.
After 60 days you can go to the nearest immigration office to get 30 days more stamp to your passport. Ask the officers for: "tourist visa extension".
When you have this extension immediately start planning your next trip to a neighbor country where you obtain your next 60 days tourist visa. Laos, singapore etc where there are Thai embassies to apply for Thai tourist visa. Probably you will need to stay in the country for a few days while they are processing your visa if not Thai holidays this process is under 3 days than you can come back to Thailand with your next 60 days ( starts when you enter Thailand ).
Always save your rental bills from the past three months. Your will need to proof your staying and financial statements. There are the exact list of requirements for visa applications.
Get sim card and private internet.
Make sure you always have plan B and money for emergency.
Must have health insurance all time! Use private hospitals always!
These things what I can share from my experience and I write down without reading it. :D I am here to help also you can drop me direct message
Thailand is super relaxing and you are living in peace here.