Paul De Graaf It's not categorically communist, no. But it's heading that way. Journalists were arrested during the pandemic. So whilst not as bad as China, for a western nation it's pretty much the worst of the worst. Your comments are coming from a place of cowardice and compliance. A weak excuse of a human being.
Yes but factor in the land crossing tax (fraud) which is where the tour operators, often in collusion with corrupt border stamping people upcharge the visas on the way through. Usually expect $10-15 extra and if you make a scene they will loose face and hold up the whole bus load of people. Happened to us last time when a swedish guy called out their bullshit.
If you apply with agent, there's no 'under consideration' bullshit. 60 day stamp takes 1 day and its finished. They collect passport and drop off to your hotel, no tedious travel all the way out to that rediculous, remote immigration office. Did mine in bkk last week with agent 5500 baht