I know a few languages, and thai grammar structure is quite simple but cannot compare to other languages, cannot use perfect tenses (have been, had been, will have been).
Keep in mind monthly house rentals (at least in koh phangan) have dramatically decreased. You can find a bungalow for 3000-8000 baht utilities included depending. Pretty cheap.
I love thailand, but I feel there are a lot of things deep within the culture that foreigners are overlooking. Of coarse many great things, but with that, there's a dark side to the culture as well. Pm me if you want to talk about it.