Don't do it. With TDAC the consulat might have access to your Thailand entry data. I remember a case when somebody entered Thailand during the application process and instantly got an invitation for an interview for the next day
What are you afraid of if they ask you questions? You simply say that it's your first international flight and that you're looking forward to spending your vacation in a beautiful country like Thailand
You book the hotel for as long as the official visa processing time is at the respective consulate. You can find the processing times on the homepage of the respective consulate