I read a couple of days ago a post by an Indian just approved in Cambodia. It should be in the threads. Not sure what they will think if you apply for SP via a friend's gym and free training, it may raise a red flag. Workcation is ok to apply with. The key financial doc is the 500K THB statement, majority of applicants did not submit a letter of good credit. You can include it if you want.
Anonymous participant You can apply in another city, you just have to check if the city comes under HCMC or Hanoi approval. They cover different areas.
Why not apply for the softpower option via Muay Thai? You can apply in Laos or Vietnam; Indians have been approved in embassies other than India so it is false you can only apply in India. You will need to check with the embassy you are applying from for the finanical documents needed, most do not require bank stamped statements.