What happens if your Thai spouse predeceases you.

[Langsuan Man]

What would happen in my case where my Thai wife and I do not have any children? We already acquired 2 houses via bank loans and land title is on my wife's name.

IMHO, this is the one situation where a usefruct would at least protect you from becoming homeless and not limit you to the 1 year must sell requirement

It has been reported here that a usefruct between husband and wife (entered into after marriage ) can be superseded by Thai Civil code governing community property but a usefruct backed up by a will should satisfy the legal requirement and at least give you lifetime control of the property and keep her relatives at bay until you die

Can you register a usufruct if there is an outstanding bank loan (mortgage)?

Probably not, since the bank technically owns the property but check with a lawyer and don't rely on TV