"for the most part I think it is one of the best places to live on the planet"
Totally agree @gooddream.
I couldn't believe it. On my exit out of the country after staying four months, abiding by their laws, doing two visa extensions in chiang mai and a visa run to myanmar. I was scrutinized to hell upon leaving the country out of Bali. He tried to screw me and I think he did. I'm pretty sure he left a comment in the computer system that I'm not allowed back into the country without a tourist visa. That is what he told me. I played by their rules and it still that wasn't good enough. He was even demanding a receipt from immigration as if the stamp was not good enough. I never experienced that before, and I've been coming to Thailand for over 14 years now. Made me feel so unwelcome in their country. All I do is spend money there. You'd think they would like that.
Good luck with your visa renewal both of you guys!