I've heard from multiple tax advisor sources. It's more than an opinion. Also backed up by an interview with a senior TRD official. Just because you want those to be seen as savings by Thailand, doesn't mean they are. Of course you are free to just never report such disbursements, but then you may have some big fun if audited.
Again balances pre 24 in US retirement accounts are NOT SAVINGS.
The savings loophole is about cash money in bank accounts.
I don't like this any more than you do, but I prefer to accept reality.