Where did you find better hospitals in neighboring countries? From what I saw, neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam are so much worse and more expensive.
There is a "hassle-free entry" service (not to be confused with an official airport fast track), which costs around 5000 baht. Many Russians who stay in Thailand full time use it.
Tell this to Russians living in Thailand full time on border runs. But of course they know how to grease the wheel. There is even a Russian company that is in touch with Immigration at all major Thai airports. If you know you can get grilled, you contact this company in advance and they arrange a hassle free entry for you.
Don't need to make him admit that he is wrong. Technically, he may be right, as my initial statement didn't include the "regular scheduled" part. If that makes him feel good about himself, let it be.
They just wanna make you wear a helmet for your own safety as a tourist. And yes, they give you 3 days to get a helmet, that's reasonable. Or you want them to stop and fine you every 5 minutes?
Thai police are doing a great job, no joke.