From last October the new Visa regulations are scaring people from coming to Thailand. The Thai government looks like they only want to have more people over 50 plus and people with money and yes off course first time tourist.
So what alternative do you have then?
Open a company is good for you if you want to work but it will cost you over 50 000 THB plus maybe 10 000 a month in just accounting fees and taxes. Then there are loads of regulations and limits but if you want to open a bank account and take a loan this is the best one.
Get married yes really it will give you 1 year visa if you have salary or 800 000 in the bank you will get 1 year visa pretty easy. But it can also give you a lot of headache and problems as we all know. This is the cheapest solution in the short run but how about when you get a divorce?
Study Thai language, yes you can now get a 1 year visa studying Thai Language from some schools like Thai Whalen. They will take care of all paper work and all you need to do is go out and come back for a quick change of visa. If you are here on holiday and do not work then this one is the best solution for you and it will only set you back 30 000 THB plus some travel.