"Utilization Mistake" + Question

[anactor]

Hello everyone,

I have Serbian passport, but I got my tourist (two entries) visa stamped in Zagreb, Croatia. I didn't know about "utilize before" date, so I got my visa in December even though I was about to come to Thailand just in February. End result - my visa expired in the middle of the first 60 days and I didn't have the chance to re-enter the Kingdom for the new 60 days. Short term solution was to extend it at Immigration office in Bangkok for 1900THB.

so, quick reminder for everyone acquiring for a visa in their home countries: plan carefully the date you want to enter Thailand and the date you want them to stamp the visa in your passport and do not repeat my mistake. "Must be utilized before" is the date before you must make your second entry.

ok, now, the question(s):

With this extension I've done, I have permission to stay until 1st of May. I will have to go out of the Kingdom and apply for a new tourist visa in some of the neighboring countries. My friend lives in Penang, Malaysia and invites me to come visit him for a few days. My plan is to go there by the end of April (just day or two before 1st of May) and try to acquire a new tourist visa there and then enter Thailand in first days of May to start my new 2x60 days journey.

1. can it be done in Penang?

and

2. do I have to go by plane to do that or just any kind of transportation is good enough?

in case I don't get Malaysian visa (chances are minimal, but let's cover that also) or in case I cannot do that in Penang, the next logical question will be:

3. which visa run do you recommend (quickest and the cheapest one)

I hope I was short and straight to the point. If any more questions arise during this thread, I hope that will not be the problem.

Thank you very much for your advices in advance.

I really appreciate the help!

[sbk]

I've heard rumors that Penang may not give you a second tourist visa if you have already extended the first. Best check that

[lopburi3]

He is expecting a two entry it seems and there is no way it will be issued and even single entry will likely not be issued as he has extended. He also needs a visa to get there to even apply. I do not know Serbia entry requirements for Cambodia or Vientiane but with a two entry visa already in passport options are limited. Believe Cambodia would likely be only option for two entry.

[anactor]

Sorry, i don't understand this... I thought that I can do visa runs as many times as I want no matter if I previously extended my tourist visa or not. What is different now?

If Penang and Malaysia are out of the game for me, what other option would you recommend? I suppose I have to do a visa run to Cambodia, but PLEASE let someone explain what does my previous extension have to do with my new visa? I'm completely confused right now.

[lopburi3]

The policy of Penang has been not to issue another visa if you have extended. Most Consulates are checking tourist visas closely now and will not issue if they feel you are not a tourist (there are many illegally working in Thailand that have used tourist visas for entry).

[anactor]

I will ask my friend from Malaysia to contact Penang office directly and try to explain them the situation.

If I understand everything good, after March 31st, Thailand became more strict with the visas regime? If Cambodia is still the easiest way for me to obtain a new visa, I would really appreciate if someone can advise me in choosing the best "Visa run" agency (if posting such info online is against the rules of this forum, please send me some info in inbox). Thanks in advance.

Let's suppose I get my new tourist two entry visa.

1. after first 60 days, I just need to cross the border and come back (I can do it on my own and don't need some agency for that - this is different from visa run, right)?

2. after that new visa expires (let's say after 120 days), what are the chances of getting a new one?

(I know that things on paper and in reality are quite different, so It will be helpful to hear some real life recent experiences)

I have only 10 days left and I am reading a lot of info on this forum and all over the internet, but so much confusing information...

I am really not sure what to do, and I think you know the best. That is why I ask here.

p.s. Would it be any different if I had done my second entry before "Utilze before" date? I mean... if I had done that, would I still have my second 60 days, or after that date, visa simply expires and that's it - you must leave the country or get the extension/new one?

[lopburi3]

You would have received a new 60 day stay and you could have extended it another 30 days - visa validity is only for entry - once here you can remain on current stay and extend it.

[anactor]

Thanks for that info. Lopburi3, my appreciation!

Even if this doesn't help me much now because I already did wrong, hopefully someone else with similar situation will not repeat my mistake, and that is probably the biggest value of this thread.

Once my friend get latest info from Penang office, I will post the updates here.

Btw, my questions for Cambodia and obtaining new double-entry visa are still valid.

I am looking forward to hearing few opinions on that.