@Gail ******
if you open in Canada and get the visa I'm not sure what is involved. We did our own paperwork here after we arrived in September and had no problem. Did it all within 45 days ... Never even had to do a border run.
The hardest was the bank account but then we had the tip to buy life insurance from Bangkok bank and then they will open an account for free.
If you have any questions go ahead and pm me....