Help in visa planning to bring her back to the UK sometime in the future

[Droplet]

Hey,

I posted this in another section of the forum then realised there is an entire section on Thai visas. I'm sure the answer has been asked many times. I thought I would just explain my current situation and hope some kind bms can provide some advice. 

I'm based in the UK and have met a thai girl here. She is a regular girl and has a regular job back home. She is currently in the UK on a tourist visa studying English part time. She intends to go back to Thailand in June to her regular job. 

It is difficult for her to give up her job and be here with me as we only known each other for a short time. So we might do some long distance and see if she can come back to the UK at a later stage. 

Just like to ask how has other people here done it in terms of serious long distance relationship? We obviously need more time before getting married, say see each other for 1 year. If she wants to give up her job and be with me here in the UK what are my options in terms of getting her a visa and stay over long term ( without getting married first )? 

She mentioned she can get some kind of student visa, or a partnership visa. But partnership visa according to the UK government website:

https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner-spouse

• you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK
• you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply
• you are a fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership in the UK within 6 months of arriving

which doesn't apply to us. Is there a way to get her back in the country and stay with me for 6 months-1 year without needing to get married? 

Thanks loads for your help, much appreciated in advance.