Perhaps. Tourist visas generally require prepurchased accomodations, often including the owner's tax number. It may be that you are also required to obtain the tourist visa in your own country. Requirements are not always clear and may differ from consulate to consulate. Penang however, is a very nice place.
Once forced to buy an online bus ticket. Another time was told to get a $5000 refundable one-way. Instead tried to book AirAsia to Singapore, but problems with connectivity at a/p. Minutes before flight, airline let us through. Had to run. Get an onward.
River Tree House (north of Nonthaburi). Very reasonable price for an extraordinary riverside gourmet experience. Great wine selection. Hard to find ( 🙂 🙂).