If you hold a full motorcycle licence and International Driving Permit this should initially cover you. After 90 days in country you need to convert that into a Thai Licence at the Land Transport Office. If you don't hold a motorcycle licence I think you can go and complete the test and get a Thai licence
yes I live in Udon and know AEK. That's where I went to get my medical certificate. I didn't realise there was an office there to also get a licence. I don't if it makes any difference but this was my first Thai licence and converting from UK licence.
I have an account with Bangkok Bank. Just not that well up with this modern technology. May I need to speak to them and try to get sorted. Maybe easier than keep going to ATM and carrying lots of cash.
From what I've seen the common way to make payments is from your thai bank account with a qr code. Don't know if foreigners are allowed to do this or not.
If you have the 800,000 just do it yourself at a cost of 1900 baht. I can understand using an agent if you don't want to keep the large sum tied up. But otherwise like I say just do it yourself.