Big FranK

As i am over 50 years old, i use single entry non-immigrant O visa valid for 90 days. In my case, i don't qualify for extension. The lady at the embassy told me i can get as many visas as i want in a year (contrary to the Tourist visa for which you need not to have spend more than 90 days in Thailand in the last 6 months).

First time i asked for a thai visa was in the 90's, i got my visa at the embassy in three days and could ask for a tourist visa with as many entries as i wanted. No documents asked, just had to fill a form, done in 5 minutes...good old days. I don't delete the bank account number on bank statements, but i delete my client number and internet personal access number on every file i send. With the right pdf editor they won't even see the modification.

My bad. You are right, visa exemption can also be extended by 30 days at immigration center...So 75 days for visa exempt against 90 days for tourist visa.

Actually visa exempt gives you now 45 days, and 30 days more if you leave the country doing a visa run. The tourist visa still gives you 60 days, and 30 days more without leaving the country. So the tourist visa is still very relevant, 15 days more and no need for visa run.