David Broadfoot Ok, I thought I read comments where folks have to leave and reapply and show mountains of documents and pictures to qualify for one or the other. The visa system here is complicated or else this forum would not be so active.
Ken, to my knowledge the Elite visa is the only option where you do not have to leave the country or show funds each year to renew. The downsize for some is it does cost more money to join and you must be willing to commit for at least 5 years, or more.
As the others have suggested, come in on a tourist visa first and get a feel for the lifestyle before committing. Thailand has made it more complicated for foreigners to remain here long term due to many have abused the system over the years. I am well into my second decade here and wouldn't live anywhere else.