Don't leave it in the bank. Buy physical gold. When we first arrived in Thailand more than 2 yrs ago, it was THB 28,000/bhat gold, today it's THB 46,600/bhat gold. 1 Bhat gold is 15.2g.
Definitely put your mom's name on the lease as its easier for her to request for any certificate of residency from immigration in future when need arises. Also request landlord for copy of their ID card and their Blue Book. Immigration in Udon Thani insists on seeing these documentation on top of the lease agreement.
I got a True broadband and a basic cable TV package and a free mobile SIM came with it (Udon Thani Central Plaza) . I pay THB 680+/month. You will need your condo lease and passport.
I have a Condo lease agreement in udon thani. My sister who already has a Retirement visa and a BBL bank account in BKK would like to open a Kasikorn account in Udon Thani, I went with her to the UTH immigration and brought my lease and said my sister is staying with me and requested for a Certificate of residency. Besides the lease agreement, they wanted to see the ID and Blue book which was included in the lease agreement as well.
Starting from this year, when my Malaysian friend with Thai driver's licence flew from BKK - udon thani and back, they won't accept her driver's licence anymore, they asked for passport.