Geez...you do know that you paid almost twice what you needed to for the Lao visa. Next time get an e-visa or bring sufficient USD.

The officer spoke German? Yeah sure...

@Xavier *******

Indeed

@James *******

Fast Track is only for Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang) and maybe Phuket. The remaining airports are tiny little provincial airports...not worth coming in from abroad that way. Stick with the bigger airports, especially Bangkok, since 90% of all international flights land in Bangkok anyway. It's a primate city.

@Kjetil ********

I'm not sure that the embassies and consulates, which issue visas, have access to the databases that immigration has.

You could be issued a visa but then be denied entry once you arrive.

@Eric *******

Foreigners generally have to go in person to get bureaucratic things done in Thailand. There is usually no online option. The same largely applies to Thais as well.

@Pui ****

ABSOLUTE NONSENSE!! There is no 3-4% credit card surcharge in Thailand. I use my card at least once or twice a week and NEVER pay any surcharge. Don't make up lies please.

@Pui ****

Credit card acceptance is quite high in Thailand actually. Nearly all gas stations accept them. Malls, convenience stores and chain restaurants as well as hotels accept them. Some coffee shops too. Only the local economy doesn't accept cards.

@Nick ***********

It's got nothing to do with where you reside. Assuming you COULD open a German bank account without being resident there, why wouldn't you? The account is in a stable currency, namely the Euro.

Fortunately, I maintain multiple overseas bank accounts, because I wouldn't be dumb enough to rely on the Thai banking system, which could freeze my account at any time. Thailand is an unstable country.

@Pui ****

Nonsense. I've never used the QR code system. I pay for 80% of things in CASH and the rest with my credit card. I'm pretty sure if somewhere doesn't accept a credit card, it means NO credit card is accepted, regardless of where it was issued!