If you haven't been to Thailand before come without the animals first and find out where you will want to live, a lot easier to travel around without the animals, add Koh Chang to your list of places to visit. You can use visa agent to open bank account when here as well. Electric is 240 v so electric don't bring. When Rent a house you may need to build a fence to keep animals in and strays out not many properties are well feñced. Good luck with your future
Use a company like that deal's in currency exchange they give better rates and less to transfer, XE is good many use wise there's many to look at that suit you