If all those ideas fail, try using Remitly. BTW Remitly charges no fee on your first transfer under about $2500.

@Daniele **********

Thanks, Daniele. Thats probably what I'll do. Save a few hundred baht...

@Daniele **********

all the minivan services Hadyai to Penang are 600-700 baht. All have vans at the same times so they can juggle overloads among themselves: 9 a.m., 12 noon and 3 p.m. approx. Daniele, you switch trains at the border? Is it easy?

@Daniele **********

I think that might be the best option. Throughout Thailand bus service seems very good, but the Malaysian companies that serve south Thailand seem inept at disseminating information. Today I followed online instructions to locate a company called Nominatee, but when I reached their purported location it was closed. Then online I found notices about no service until January, 2023.

@Michael *******

travel agencies across the street from the bus terminal? Where are the boarding places for busses going from Hadyai to Penang? That route seems to be coverered by several private tour companies but where in Hatyai are their offices and boarding places?

I was told the bus station only deals with domestic travel. (???)

@Brandon ***********

they saw my OA visa and asked for exit ticket. You can apply for OA extension, but it's not guaranteed. The whole business of exit ticket requirement is awfully outmoded. Nowadays you can get a ticket online in 10 minutes. The requirement impinges on your flexibility. C'est la via собачья...

Not a reason, but when I gave the officers that excuse, they agreed.

@Brandon ***********

yes. Some airlines won't sell you a ticket that far in advance....

How many days?