Out immigration office told me to get some money from ATM on the day I go to the bank to get the letter. So in this order: get money from ATM, update bankbook, get letter. This way you have a transaction on that day and they are sure the bankbook is updated.
They can also see it from the balance mentioned in the letter, but I found out there is no use in arguing before, so I just do what they tell me.
Thai riots seem to be different from some other countries. They do not spread throughout the whole country, even only a small part of Bangkok was affected last time. Thai protesters also seem to have more respect for other people and their belongings.
I believe it is easy to stay away from trouble in Bangkok.
They can never quarantine everybody who wants to come, so they have priorities. I don't think it is stupid, but of course you can debate on the priorities.
Indeed, many Thais stranded abroad. They have a much bigger problem than tourists not being able to visit here or tourists in Thailand that have to go home.