...well this will change. DTV is a new Visa. I personally, do not need a Thai Bank account. Almost all my transactions can be done using credit card, debit card and cash from ATM My bank reimburses all ATM fee instantly, and there is no foreign transaction fee.
You may want to look at DTV...5 year visa..multiple entry...each visit upto 6 months...self employed ok...no income allowed in Thailand..Health insurance not required..processing time 3 weeks..apply in line.. Good startup...