I don t like visa burocracy in thailand but is better then in europe. Try to move a thai to european country and see how is difficult, also for tourism only is expensive and you instead can get visa free for 1 month here
many people go to the first exchange counter and only later discover to be defrauded. That is one example. Bangkok Bank as some good exchange rates sometimes but not in this case. I bought rubles from them in May at the best rate available in Thailand and also better then in Moscow.
also visa for europe are more difficult to get, the collection of document is done by VFS and they ask for documents also when are not required, example a warranty of funds from insurance when the person has proved money on his bank. I think they get some benefit from insurer that they suggest and also there are agents that facilitate the process and have connections with VFS. Don't go to europe, not friendly for thai turist