@Ian *********

thanks Ian, did your home country DL include motorbikes? (Mine doesn't)

Hi thanks everyone, one follow-up: my Canadian licence is only for cars, so will this make getting a motorbike licence in Thailand more difficult? I don't really need this as my driving in Thailand will be in a car, but I just thought if it's not that difficult I may as well get the motorbike licence as well.

I'm in the same situation, I spend 6 months in Thailand and DTV is perfect if you qualify. Much simpler than non-o.

A good alternative to having a bank account is using a cash transfer app that offers cash pickup. I use XE which is similar to Wise, but unlike Wise XE has a cash pickup option. Pickup locations are everywhere (banks, 7-11 etc) and no extra charge. XE exchange rates are very good, you will get almost as much THB as you would get by exchanging at Superrich. A much better option than using ATMs.

I'm Canadian (Thai wife) .....I do 6 months Thailand, 6 months Canada (may to Oct) and it's perfect. I'm in Toronto but spend most of summer in cottage country and the weather May to Oct is much nicer than any time of year in Thailand. Obviously it's nice to escape Canadian winter but it's just as nice to escape the sweltering heat and humidity. BTW I'm on a DTV and it's perfect!

In Bangkok you can find pretty much anything, though it might be quite pricey.

I think anyone applying for DTV under "soft power" should confirm by email with the embassy prior to e-visa submission that in fact the chosen soft power activity will qualify. Unfortunately this DTV was very poorly conceived and now Thai immigration is trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube.

Kasikorn bank has terrible exchange rates

is a good deal. Canada =

Instead of opening a business, have you considered remote work? Then you would qualify for a DTV.