I am posting this separately because the earlier post I wanted to add more information to was closed too quickly (as per usual). This information may be aimed at one person, but is also advice for others who use the Thai Consulate in Vientiane
Yolande House mentioned that they are 'planning' on going to Laos on Thursday 2nd Jan for their Visa. Please bare in mind that Thursday's can get very busy for two main reasons, 1) A lot of Visa van runs go on a Thursday because of reason 2, 2) The Consulate is closed at weekends, meaning if you go on a Friday you will have to stay in Vientiane until Monday (3 nights) to collect your passport & new Visa