so what's stopping you from going? (The only thing you mentioned that concerns me a little is the health insurance, but I have a sizeable savings so I shouldn't have to worry).
the people who are combining about this aren't Laos tourists. They are doing a border run. Not going to spend money in the country. Can you blame the country for charging?
Basic economics. Most Thais are living hand to mouth. If they can get a few more baht they will, and a few baht doesn't hurt most tourists and it greatly helps the vendor. And it happens to tourists in every single country.
don't plan on the cops taking anything other than an IDP. I got pulled over at a stop and the cop used my IDP to show another farang what they needed and issued them a ticket.
You're thinking about the Philippines, where they cut the financial requirements for their retirement visa for US veterans. No such thing in Thailand or any other country that I'm aware of.