Cheers everyone for the warm welcome. Thailand land of smiles. My son & I really looking forward to trip. Is it true paperwork for farangs visa etc can be a nightmare. But life always throws curve balls(baws as us Scots would say). Again many thx for warm welcome and tips about money. 
The visa formalities certainly look horrendous at first view but there are plenty of people around to help and we all get through it somehow. I suppose you will be getting an 'O' visa from your nearest Thai embassy or consulate. That's the easy bit.