Can I lease an apartment and handle utilities on a DTV visa in Thailand, and what are the implications for tax residency and credit card transactions?

Hi everyone, I’m applying for a 12-month cooking course in Thailand as the basis for my DTV visa, and I have a few questions I hope someone with experience can clarify:

Q1. Leasing & Utilities

Can I sign a 12-month apartment lease in Chiang Mai while on a DTV visa, and is it possible to get the utility bills under my name (for things like proof of address, etc.)?

Q2. Multiple Long Stays

My planned schedule is:

* Stay in Thailand for 120 days (first entry)

* Leave for about a month

* Return and stay for another 120 days (second entry)

* Leave again for a month

* Return for a 50-day stay (third entry)

Since I will be spending time back in my home country between visits (not doing border runs), will immigration be okay with this pattern, or could I be questioned at re-entry?

Q3. Tax Residency & Credit Cards

If I end up becoming a Thai tax resident (over 183 days in a calendar year), are international credit card transactions (when I pay expenses directly from my home country bank/credit card) considered taxable remittances in Thailand?

Would love to hear from anyone who has done something similar or has direct experience with DTV visa rules, leasing, and tax matters 🙏

Thanks in advance!