yes and its a big problem for the education as there are a large majority of foreigner that are working in the thai schools with no experience at all. its even damaging for students. the best prove can be seen everydays. try in dep. store to find someone that can speak EN ! All students from primary school are supposed to have learn the basic EN.
as long as it work its ok but early of late they get caught, plenty people come in thailand and just refuse the law. Law here is for everyone so just respect it and all will run fine.
you need a document from Konson department, without that you will be stopped at the border. ( do not know the name of it but Konson know. - in the case of the car is at your name of course -)
insurace price was 950 bahts 10 years ago for 2 weeks,, they will give you stickers with the Malay number.