Plan it right and get there in coach or on miles and you can do J class mileage runs ex-BKK for comparatively little money and in relatively little time. In fact, some of the MPMs BKK to Central America would get you to Platinum with two runs. You can keep your status. Hotel status might be harder to keep but you can always look for sale rates at your chain of choice and go 'check in' locally, then take off. So, you CAN have your cake, and your status too!