The Elite Visa is simply a choice and Choice is one of those things that makes the world go around. This is similar to - "Why go live in Thailand?" To those who would never leave their home country - no amount of discussion would make sense.

The O-X visa has a 10 year time frame in two 5 year segments

The O-A Visa Multi- Entrt is not 10 years. Initial issue of the O-A is one year. And is extended 12 months each exit from and reentry to Thailand go until the first year expiry

I see the Elite Visa as a Personal Choice highly dependent on one's financial circumstances. The other options for Long Stay (over age 50) are quite valid and affordable - sorta like installment payments with a new one year extension every year.

I think it is wrong for some to pitch one long stay method (visa/extension over another because the choice is so intertwined with financial status, personal wants and desires, etc. They are all good choices - pick the one that fits your circumstances, your financial status and attitude. There is not right or wrong - just the better personal fit.

$7000 in a bank account, evidence of a job in America or of running a business - then apply for a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa at a Thai Consultant in the USA.

Darren - I owned a computer business in Texas for over 20 years. I now own a Rent Car Company in Thailand. Owning a Company in Thailand is a hundred times more complicated. It doesn't get easier after the initial Company setup - it gets Seriously More Complicated dealing with the Thai Government Bureaucracy. So be prepared spending lots of time and money complying with all the reporting rules. I wouldn't be booking lots if trips back home in the first year.

I have read many many posts here and elsewhere... and I am always amazed how people make booked travel plans without knowing the details of their pending visa. "Oh I'm starting a Thai Company - applying for a Work Permit and B Visa and I am booked to go home for 3-4 weeks right in the middle of it"... will that be a problem? 555

Okay

James Le Sage - did you use the 2nd available year of the O-A Visa activated by exiting and reentering Thailand just before the 1st. year expiry date?

This option is only available to holders of the O-A Multi-Entry Visa