I have obtained 2 visas for my GF, she now has a 10 year multi-entry visa. Learned a lot from the forum, first visa app failed. After the failed attempt I wrote my MP and he provided a reference letter.
I don't want a Thai bank account - I want to avoid getting on the tax radar screen (I don't have any Thai tax liability but I don't want the hassle of trying to prove that). I can do transfers from my CDN bank with a cash pickup option (many convenient locations). The rate is within 10 satang of the superrich cash rate.