@Matthias ***********
the 500k isn't really savings it's emergency money. So if you can show back up income in the form of a sponsorship letter it certainly wouldn't be held against you. The embassy is going to wonder how you're going to support yourself over the next 5 years.
Probably wouldn't hurt to also compose a statement outlining your plans in Thailand over the next 5 years, why cooking is important to you, what you love about Thai culture, blah blah blah blah blah