agreed my room was a bit in need for renovation but got my test back in in less than 8 hours. Chosen due to location and car booked to go on demand north. 👍
I use Wise debit card and local bank account. Like people said bringing some cash for your initial budget to be exchanged is probably best. Avoid ATM but if you use it take out max amount.
You probably can earn it back easier than managing this. I am a bit surprised for the price since transport and PCR should be more than half. Non refundable means what it means. Did you check with hotel if they allow you to change the booking for someone else or date?
Happened to me many years ago. But was maybe 3900 THB then? I am still surprised most things need to be cash and can't be taken from account like card renewal... 🙃
The scam sucks but I saved those THB for transfers back then with SWIFT and now Wise.
I learned an interesting fact recently don't know if it is national but the employees working in a bank need to pay 1 million deposit. Maybe they just trying to get that back on the side? Wouldn't blame them.