You can check the DTV visa requirements, it can be a good option too. Maybe using soft power option (muay thai, medical treatment, music festival, cooking classes..)
Vientiane, Laos. An officer pre-check all the documents, you pay and give you a paper to collect the passport in two days. Then, maybe you're declined because they encountered something and they didn't return the money. I saw two people last friday that happened this.
100% agree with you, but I think that if some people doubt if they can loose their 10k it's because maybe they don't have all the requirements for the visa. So yes, if you don't meet the requirements, you can easily loose 10k
Many people in some embassies and consulate are loosing their 10k because the agent pre-check the documents, get the 10k but then in a few days they deny it.
I agree with you, but sadly, they make the rules... If you want the DTV visa in Vientiane, you have to provide the bank statements that shows your name and account number.