rather than tell you MY specifics, I will respond about the many forigners that I have known here for many years. First - the visa thing...as it happens, Thailand is always changing but very reciently the government announced they would review thier policies in light of what other aaian countries are doing (which is a very good thing). the cost of: a bunglow per month $100 to 200USD., food from $3 to 15$ per day. Utilities usually covered but maybe an additional $50 per month...transportation - buy a used 125 honda...education not available unless private language lessions $6 per lession...basically one can live here room and board for about $500. per month excluding the visa thing and that depends on where your from, how old you are, how many times you comming and going...on and on.
It's a good life - the big if seems to be - just live here - don't try to do anything like build a house (like I did) or you will run into a muriad of problems you couldn't begin to imagine.
michael (roadsong5 AT gmail)