I'm considering applying for the Thai residence permit, what I would like to know is:

1) has anyone here applied for one and has any information.

2) Are there any agencies that can assist with the process.?

3) What is the cost these days?

4) How long does the process take?

Any comments or helpful information would be greatly appreciated. Also just to reiterate, I am inquiring about a residents permit NOT citizenship.

I can’t buy a motorbike because with my tourist visa I can’t obtain a residence permit.

What if I have a friend - with a work permit, hence a residence - buy it for me? He’ll have to come to the DLT and his name will be on the green book instead of mine. What about insurance? Would the DLT put the same name for the insured as the owner?

Will I have any issue if the cops stop me?

Would I have any issue if I want to get outside of Thailand with that bike?

Has anybody ever done this and wants to share their experiences/suggestions?

Any agency who can make this as smooth as possible without me eventually dragging my friend to the DLT?

Thanks in advance for you time!