They'll want to see a driver's license from home country i dont think an IDP is enough. There's n online video and test. Everyone has to do it. Its super easy. You'll have to get a certificate of residence 300 baht at immigration, health check from a doctor for purpose of driving. 150 baht. Your passport copies of all the pertinent info. Lease agreement, blue book , passport photos and a couple hours at the bureau for drivers licenses.
Absolutely not. Id rather spend the money for an agent. After this, ill never leave money in a Thai bank for any extended period. It goes in and comes out as cash almost as fast. I only leave in what I need for my mostly consistent monthly bills, rent, utilities etc . I have 5k baht in my frozen Bangkok bank. Its been frozen over 2 weeks now. In that time I already got a new account elsewhere.