you cannot legally own land in Thailand and don't let anyone try to persuade you differently. You WILL see houses up for sale but don't go near them. You can however buy into condominiums. Foreigners cannot own more than 49% of the condominium. The visa situation- you will need to leave the country to renew it. This can be done in a day or two. Husband knows a couple of folks who have places out there. They seem quite happy with the situation.

Was talking to a couple of Brits in the airport they had bought a house in Pattaya, the Thai house cleaners Polceman husband had the land put in his name and they took a thirty year lease on the land, very trusting I thought.