You can get a visa online thru your nearest Thai consulate. Goggle Thailand E Visa and it should take you to the website.

Once you are here and you rent a place to live, you should be able to get a bank account as you will need some documentation of where you are staying. I found that Bangkok Bank was the most friendly towards Farangs. 

Most rentals will include utilities, if you want good Internet and TV, we use BBB and I like that a lot.

You may wanna keep two cell phones. One for your US phone number and get another one for your Thai Phone. I found AIS to be very good as far as Internet while in Thailand and pretty reliable phone service.

An international drivers license is recognized in Thailand and good for one year. You can work on your tide drivers license later, but it’s not a high priority as long as you have your international license. If you plan a motorbike, make sure your international drivers license is also approved for motorcycles .