Most of the legitimate beefs mentioned on this thread can also be directed against other countries.
One thing Thailand should consider is opening up the country in the same way as Mexico, Spain, Greece and other such countries do. (You've got 6 months in Mexico, no questions asked., no visas, no deadlines - perfect.)
Let's face it, the main reason (these days) for those from cold-winter climates to visit LoS is the WEATHER. As tourists, as opposed to ex-pats, we will put up, short-term, with all the things that pi$$ us off as expats.
Abandon most of your regulations. Period.