Does China on that list cover both PRC and ROC? They are different countries yet some countries don't recognize some of them as legitimate

You're genuinely travelling which includes a border hop and you have a flight out afterwards, you should be fine. Just provide your itinerary to the embassy if they ask

with a german passport you're probably not gonna be asked

"Travel"

No need to do tm30 within Thailand if you already filed one

Interesting about the Seoul consulate.

Doesn't matter which embassy you go to. But you have to leave. Don't forget to get cancellation papers before you exit.

If you're able take the 20 year one. The 5 year one is cheap and an easy temptation, but you should aim for 20 years as the per day cost is lower.

Advantages: less paperwork. no bank statements period. This is useful for those who have high networth but the majority of funds are locked up in other assets or in company they control . You just pay money and that's it. No need to tell where you got the money from, if you have the money you pay it and it's settled right there.

Disadvantages: no working so you must have the means of generating wealth (ideally you are an investor)

Cancellation is free and needs to be done at the immigration office (not airport)

Wonder how they deal with the issue where some places do not take payment online or just take a small online deposit (which can still be refunded or used as credit) and prefer cash payment for the balance when they check in