I'm from Portland, and have lived in Thailand for 28 years. Fairly straightforward getting a long-term Visa here things change yearly but it's still fairly easy. As for the home the area where your wife's from might not be the best place for you to live. And where others have said right by the family again I have to agree with them I'm four and a half hours away from my in-laws and that's just about right and get there if something happens but they're not dropping by every single day for something. Personally I would suggest coming to Thailand seeing different areas such as beach towns, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and others. Maybe make several trips and stay in several areas for a month or maybe three. And remember making a home here is unlike in America and the home is technically hers