i agree that a 60 day tourist visa is less hassle but I do question why it would be cheaper. 60 day visa and a 30 day exempt plus 30 day extension would be about the same price, unless I am mistaken
the Thai government has yet to fully detail their tax scheme. In theory, any funds transfered from a pension plan or already taxed will not be taxed again in Thailand. But again all the details are not given yet by Thailand.