A word of advice for fellow South Africans with Thai writing on their tourist visas: make sure you get the writing translated properly before going to get any new visas. I was told the writing in my visa meant I had to go back to South Africa for a new tourist visa. Apparently it actually means I have to go back to South Africa for anything OTHER than a tourist visa. I'm currently cooling my heels in Vientiane waiting for the embassy to open on Monday so I can apply for a new tourist visa.