A word of warning to all: avoid the Padang Besar border with Malaysia. I was turned down for no good, sound reason (made up inconsistent requirements about cash currency and paper-printed hotel bookings). The officer was rude and unreasonable and I was given an expulsion slip! Went to the Sadao border and granted entry. However, I can confirm that an instant u-turn re-entry is impossible at both. The friendly Sadao officer who let me in after one night in Malaysia recommended minimum 3 nights in Malaysia and said Laos is still the best option. That being said, two older guys I met in Malaysia (with perhaps more back-to-back visas) were denied entry at Sadao as well based on an entry cancellation stamp stamped at Padang Besar. Avoid PB at all costs, they are extremely unfriendly towards white / western foreigners.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares a cautionary tale about their negative experience at the Padang Besar border when attempting to enter Thailand from Malaysia. They were turned away for unclear reasons, received an expulsion slip, and had better luck at the Sadao border, where they were granted entry after a night in Malaysia. The user advises avoiding Padang Besar due to unfriendly treatment towards western foreigners and notes that re-entry is difficult at both borders.
