i have previously used double entry tourist visas to stay in Thailand for six months at a time:

feb -aug 2013

feb -aug 2014

feb -aug 2015

besides these trips i only have one visa exempt entry from 2011

i would like to come to Thailand towards the end of January and stay for three or possibly four months

so i could go with a single entry tourist visa and than get a 30 day extension from the immigration office - is a 30 day extension possible on a single or only on the old double entry tourist visas?

the other option is to get the new multiple entry visa and use two 60 day entries,maybe staying 90 days or maybe 120, i have some questions regrading the new visa -

will they be enforcing the rules regarding showing 7000 USD in a bank account for six months?

i believe there are also some questions about your employment in your home country? ill be leaving my current position to go on this trip and will just find something new when i return will this be an issue?

Can the entries be activated by land border crossing or will one have to fly in and out?

i will be applying for the visa in my home country of Australia

A single entry tourist visa 60 day entry can be extended for 30 days at an immigration office.

After those 90 days you could get make a border run for a 15 visa exempt entry or 30 days by air. Both can be extended for 30 days at an immigration office.

The embassy in Canberra does not mention financial or employment requirements.for a METV. Info here after entering you home country: http://canberra.thaiembassy.org/Home/visa

Getting another entry from one can be done by land, sea or air.