I think they might take the same photos you have to get done for Tuodong Lu PSB. If I remember right.

I think the demand from Chinese tourists to drive in convoy, usually in SUVs, was too large to ignore. It was probably the main leverage for change.
The regulations you mention may well be for Chinese registered vehicles to cross the border.
I don't know if these regulations affect Thai registered vehicles hired in Thailand.

A lot of the junk mailing, etc. really came on line when phone directories were computerized.This still required active work on the part of the mailing company.
In the early 2000s companies and organisations could buy mailing lists, which were passed on and sold on again.
Now companies and agencies can tie together all of your digitized data. Most of it by systems passively collecting data, and that is before we think about webcrawlers and bots. Many data collections stored have been hacked and put to nefarious uses. Even some data that has not been hacked has been used for nefarious purposes.

Calling bullshit and comparing today's data collection situation with phone directories, is a bit like saying humans have been able to travel with harnessed power since the first horse and cart, and ignoring how transportation has developed since then.

Fine, but don't approach strangers to strike up a conversation, and expect it to work. Find another way.
Look at the events calendar on this site for some of the where. Also post questions in the forum. Example, 'where can I play/do xxxx?'

Here is an ugly truth. Most people from abroad do not like being approached by strangers when they are trying to relax.
If random Chinese people come up to me and try to start a conversation I do not respond warmly. I assume that the person either wants a free English lesson, or wants to sell something. I go to a bar or cafe to relax, not to have demands made on me.
If you play pool, go to bar with a pool table, and be prepared to pay for your fair share of games (unless it is a free table). Also be prepared to buy your own drinks. That way the relationship starts on an equal footing.
If you like to read books in English, join the book reading club.
Join sports activities like the Ultimate Frisbee events.

Find some activity where there will be some people from abroad. Join in as an equal, not just someone who want to take something. That way you can make real friends.