Thats my experience and opinion, you don't have to shout to prove your point, if DMK doors are greased up for you then well done my man more power to you.
Mr Naik as a person who has done 4 tourist visas from India I advised you few times get a hotel booking if you don't want to complicate things at immigration and want a smooth entry and
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Bhat in cash and one more thing - land at Suvarnabhumi because at Don Mueng they will grill you, you can always carry the invitation letter as back up
Actually tell you what, you are better off with a visa before travelling because visa on arrival you may have to stand in the airport queue for hours. I travelled with an Indian friend of mine & he said never he will opt for visa on arrival
Lawrance, Robert is right you will not get visa in any of the neighboring countries to Thailand any visa. They will look at your handwritten Pretoria visa and reject you straight away but if you willing to try then go to Laos or Myanmar, Malaysia very slim chance