Recently returned from trip abroad with girlfriend. I am holding a double, with one 60day already spent. I wanted a stamp so I could stay a few weeks, get my act together and go down to Malaysia for a but of sun and snorkeling.

Immigration with a smile - sorry cannot. Another, perhaps his boss was about, he confirmed.

My new passport was really fresh and there was no indication of my former long stay presence in Thailand. This must really, really suck for backpackers landing in Thailand hoping to do a bit of overland to neighboring countries.

Moral to story esp these days - don't waste your time.

If you have a valid visa and it is seen you will be required to enter using that under current policy. As tourist visas are currently free of charge don't believe it is much of a problem for most.

This must be a new regulation -or not implemented before-...

Last year, I came back from Penang with a new Tourist visa and I explained -at the immigration on arrival- that I had to go to Lao within a week, so they stamped my passport for 30 days, leaving the visa virgin.

I the past they inded did this, but now reports are saying that immigration denies such requests and this is no longer an option.

New policy to enforce an old rule; lots of things have been tightened up. - I can't see any other country letting you not use a visa stamped in your passport.