Hi mate,
This subject comes up quite often and seems to fire up quite a debate, so stand by for a variety of opinions!
To try and answer specifics:
1 A passport can be had fairly easily, when we did it she had to go to her home for paperwork. I would be very surprised if you got the ball rolling in your absence, it may well take your foot up her backside to make anything happen!
2 When I did this, there were a lot of hoops to jump through regarding visas, I think that has changed now and am sure that other BMs are more up to date than me. There was a wait of around six weeks for an interview at the embassy in Bangkok.
If you are determined (and can afford it), you should not have a big problem getting her a holiday visa these days, just tread carefully when answering questions; honesty is not always the best policy.
As far as advice on a long distance relationship goes, and this is just my opinion you understand,
if you have found the right girl she will be utterly loyal, honest and devoted. These things have unique problems but if you are both up for it they can work; enjoy!
Steve
