In Kalasin, where I am, immigration is generally excellent, unlike the nightmares I've read about here.
I have been in Thailand for 30 years, although I have been here for 20 years.
I am on a retirement extension until next month, when I will switch to DTV.
Throughout all that time, I have had only one immigration visit.
They phoned in advance, but it was around the time of all that trouble when the doctor had her back kicked by the Austrian who ran the elephant sanctuary, I think it was in Phuket or somewhere, and they were conducting checks on foreigners.
They did speak to the neighbours, which was the MIL. We don't have any other neighbours.
The immigration staff knew friends of my partner, and everything was done pleasantly in 15 minutes. One of the perks of living upcountry, everyone knows everyone.
They even took photos of us in the driveway; my MIL insisted on being included as well.