this assumption that Thailand is unique in these experiences is bizarre. Not all countries are out to make maximum money out of people just wanting to be normal tourists and expats and behaving like they are some kind of special case because something bad happened once.
Bankgkok Bank - I opened two accounts whilst on a tourist visa - show thenm their own guidance on the webpage from head office - that often gets them thinking maybe they will not say no without any justification or understanding of their own rules.
turkish airlines checkin staff once refused me to check me in unless I had a return flight to UK booked with them! Bizarre, and then they tried to deny it ever happened.