If you open a Bangkok Bank account, you can (or at least I can), transfer direct from some US accounts to Bangkok Bank, at a great rate. Because Bangkok Bank has a branch in NYC.
What I do is stay in Thailand 2 months or so on Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. Go back USA for a couple of months. Thus, my December Entry was my 3d Entry for 2022. No questions, no problems yet. Going into 2d year of this schedule.
1st things 1st. Slow Down. You only visited Thailand one time. Visit Thailand several more times on a Tourist Visa (60 Days) or Visa Exempt. Get to know the country and the people, a lot more, for a couple of years. Save your money and slow down.
Book now, with an online site which states free cancellation, until a few days before your stay. Sometimes, your credit is not even charged until a week or so before your stay. Make sure this is clearly stated. I find Agoda has the best rates in Thailand, and I never had a problem with canceling and refunds, when it was provided for.
I had a great time chilling on the beach, watching the fireworks in Pattaya. Did Patong, Phuket one year, way way too many people, in too small a space.
Don't know the names. Just know there been 2 different schools available, in the village and in Sattihip. Depending how much family was willing to pay.