Just make a small vacation every 6 months. We went to laos for a couple of nights and had a fun time in Vientiene. Probably check out Vietnam next time too.

Can tell you from my perspective as well. I already have an IDP from USA on hand and my documents and tried to go get mine done at the Samut Prakan DLT and they said there was a 4 month wait. Being impatient as I am I looked at the application for openings and saw one the very next day open in Kanchanaburi. Convinced the gf and I drove straight there the next morning super early.

Once there all they did was take my IDP, copy of my passport, license and they did a simple reaction test with the light and a color blindness test. No video watching or any questions. Got it in less than an hour. Valid for 2 years. I guess the location plays a major role as well as your own documents origins

Update: Forgot to mention this is for car Thai license

Some limitations to that pretty sure. I paid my car fully in cash on my student visa and was able to get the car fully registered in my name. Carried over to my dtv no problem. If you have to do payments it's a more intensive process and they told me not possible when I asked about it before.

Always double and triple check for any incorrect info. Even one small mistake can result in denial and you have to reapply again and pay again.

Just do a mini vacation. They want too many stuff such as a photo of you at home, bank verifications, multiple trips to immigration, etc. Just less of a headache to leave and come back. Work 6 months, take a break, and come back and grind again