HEADS UP FOR THE ONES LOOKING TO MAKE A THAI VISA (ANY KIND).
I just did my second Thai Tourist Visa in Penang, Malaysia and it's so far the easiest way since I did many different locations.
Smooth entry at Penang immigration airport, no visa requested and they just take your fingerprints.
Also possible to switch passport in case you are bi-national as I am. They don't request any stamp out from another country in your passport as it is requested for example in Laos.
Then, go to Jim's Place (best ever agent in Penang) at Chulia Street.
They can manage it all for you, any kind of visa and also they can handle the onward flight ticket and hotel booking for you. Total cost : RM 290.00
Plus, if you want to avoid crowded Don Mueang immigration by flying back in, then take the minivan from Jim's Place to cross the boarder by land and direction to Hat Yai airport to take a domestic flight. The trip by minivan is around 4 hours, easy boarder crossing. Cost for the minivan is RM 40.00.
Just do not forget to get the 20K thai baht in cash with you as the Thai immigration officer might ask for it.
I wasn't ask for it on my first trip but was asked a couple of days ago. An american couple didn't get it and was a bit in trouble until they found an ATM to get cash.
Enjoy your smooth trip.
PS : last advice, get a room at Chulia Mansion on Chulia Street as it is 50 meters from Jim's Place and 100m. from bars to spend your nights there and a very good one.
TLDR : Answer Summary
This post describes a streamlined process for obtaining a Thai visa in Penang, Malaysia, particularly highlighting Jim's Place as a reliable agent. The author shares personal experiences, emphasizing the ease of entry into Malaysia, the lack of strict immigration checks, and the services offered by local visa agencies, including hotel bookings and onward flight arrangements. Key tips include carrying 20,000 Thai Baht for immigration and opting for a land crossing to avoid busy airports. Commenters share additional insights and experiences regarding visa types and the reliability of different agents.
