I can only say, For your sake I hope it stays that way, good luck.My information on marriage recognition is not completely in agreement with Bellagrego, I believe that a Thai marriage registered at the Ampur is recognised in most farang countries. For example, a budhist wedding is like a non-C of E church wedding in England, both are not recognised without registration with the Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages in England, or the Ampur in Thailand.
I agree completely with mason45, women (and men) are all the same where-ever they come from. We all want security, however we personally define it.
My American wife lived on my income while she could, and stole thousands from the joint bank account even though she was a multi-millionaire with Swiss bank accounts and major property investments. Then she wanted her freedom when I retired from a well paid job because I might become financially dependent on her.
My Thai wife is both caring and a danger to my economic security; so I have to control the expenditure while enjoying the life in Issan. I am wiser than I was with my non-Thai wife, and happier with Mrs CQF and my Thai family.
I love Issan and Thailand, All Thai ladies are beautiful, but Mrs CQF is the one I want and care about, why jump out of a comfortable "frying pan into the fire" with all the unknown risks of relationships for a typical farang. I am happy and so is my trouser-brain that controls my life.