I never understood why a huge number of people switched and went to HCMC. If your intention is study and your documents are OK than other places are more welcoming.

@Michael *******

as Robert said : the Mukdahan/Savannakhet border is easy. As you allowed TWO entries under visa exempt in one calendar year you should be OK doing a border run there.

I can not give a solution, but the visa history pretty much is the explanation for denial. All places are critical with ED applications, especially from informal schools. Why not sign up at a real College? OP also did not explain if he got VOID stamp and just refuse to accept his application.

The easiest place is still Vientiane.

a border run would solve the gap. You allowed two in one year. Depending of where you stay a border is never far away. Just avoid Poi Pet. Than back in US you can apply for a Non O.

@Ivor *****

yes. OK.

@Ekaterina *********

, no, they not stamp Russian, even with multiple entry, they say Myanmar side not OK. Again this might only be a rule at Kanchanaburi, other border might be OK.

@Ivor *****

I would call a visa run in CM to check out first.

South African are a bit on Thai Immigration watch list and your own government add to some problems. In principle SA if the only country from the African Continent that enjoys the same privileges than a Western passport. Mean you can enter by Air for 30days visa waiver, you can do border bounce in one calender year TWICE and you can apply for Visa in some countries. Now comes the tricky part, some places don't accept South African passport. I do not know why. For border bounce you have to check with the companies in that area, they would know best. I can tell from Bangkok you can go Cambodian border without problem (just avoid POI PET). Kanchanaburi border will not stamp SA, however I can not speak for Mae Sai. All border with Laos are OK. Coming to next part: Visa application: Thai Embassy and Consulate in Laos can issue Visa to SA and in Malaysia at Kota Bharu. Other places in Vietnam, Malaysia (Penang/KL) and Yangon do not issue Visa for SA. Last point the SA Embassy, take ages to get new passport or get documents certified. Very last point: if SA apply for an informal ED Visa you will have to show Police Clearance report and must have a valid story of why you wish to study Thai. Best would be to sign up at a real University to get real Study paper.

@Mark *********

based on your history I would say both places will issue a SETV. The advantage of Vientiane is that you cross by land.