All I can advise Ian is be very careful! Even if all intentions are honorable; remember the different cultures between you.
I speak from personal experience! I was married to my Thai wife for 10 years,now divorced for 12. I got a house built up in her village not far from Udon Thani,a beautiful bungalow. This was around
******
. Unbeknown to me, the house was in her mum's name,a compulsive gambler. Even after our divorce I advised very strongly she return to Thailand to put in her name. We both lived in the UK at the time. Not realizing again at the time,that because my wife was married to a falang she couldn't actually own it! Archaic or what!? Thankfully she took my advice,returning to Thailand and put in her name. She now owns two houses,one in the UK as a result of our divorce. We have a beautiful mixed race daughter of 22 years studying at Newcastle University,so that is a ray of delight from a unfortunate situation. I made my decisions at the time so no room for regret or bitterness,and I love my daughter dearly!
Am retired now at 66,and do intend to head to the far east to live,most likely very soon; the UK is too expensive. Rather long-winded but I hope it helps! Good luck Ian!