There is heaps of info on setting up companies etc, what about just a small biz for the wife ?

Anyone experienced this?

Any ideas of how and cost ?

Nothing to do with work permits or farlang ownership.

Cost to register a Thai sole trader is about 80 baht - just complete the forms at the Tessabahn office.

50 baht the last I heard.

can a bank account be opened in the name of this "sole trader shop name".

I presume that income is considered as personal income.

I don't think so but you can give it a try. I think it's going to be an account in the owners name.