I still hope they release the DTV Visa... Would be the perfect visa for me. I'd like to spend a few weeks per year in Thailand working remotely for a German company which pays my salary. That's it.
However I don't meet the requirements for the LTR.
If you fly into Phuket it is also a good starting point for the area around Krabi. Few days in Phuket, then by boat to Ko Phi Phi, to Krabi and surrounding Islands, fly from Krabi to Bangkok. Don't miss Bangkok.