@David *******

Efficiency would be doing everything in the one place, whether that is at the embassy or online. I've never applied for a Thai visa online, so I can't say what it's like. I do know from reading reports in this group, Ho Chi Minh remains quick and efficient, even under the e-visa system.

I'm surprised Vientiane is so quick, but I wouldn't assume it will be like that for everyone.

@David *******

Well, you can't do what you want. If an airline wants you to have an outbound ticket, you must follow their rules or you're not getting a boarding pass.

If you're lucky, they'll let you travel.

It's not about being allowed to purchase a one way ticket. You as the traveler are responsible for conforming with the rules of the country you're going to.

For Laos, like I said, the rules are a little vague. You might be lucky one time, then the next time an airline manager might insist you need an outbound ticket unless you can show them a visa in your passport.

@David *******

The Thai embassy Vientiane website states it takes 15 days, which is much longer than most other embassies and consulates in the region.

I find that having to go into the embassy to make payment but still completing the application online as being far less convenient than doing everything, including making payment online.

Having said that, i got my DTV in person, at another embassy, paying in cash and I found this to be my preferred method of obtaining a visa.

Sadly, other than if you're called in for an interview, the old process is no longer allowed. You can't just walk in for a visa anywhere anymore as Thailand is committed to using the e-visa system from now on.

For Laos specifically you MUST pay for your visa in Baht. Unlike before Covid, it's very difficult to buy any foreign currency in Laos these days, due to government regulations. Moneychangers are not allowed to sell you foreign currency, not even at the land borders. At airports you may be able to purchase a small amount of foreign currency, by showing your passport and boarding pass, but that's it.

Banks might be able to sell you some currency as well, but may require proof of what you need it for. There may be other ways to acquire foreign currency, but it's rather tedious compared to how easy it is to purchase foreign currency with just your passport in Thailand.

Therefore, ensure you have the Baht in cash BEFORE departing for Laos and to be safe, bring more and keep this Baht separate from your spending money there. ATMs only dispense Kip (except for reportedly, one ATM up in the Golden Triangle SEZ, which dispenses both Baht and Yuan) but that's pretty far to go for a Thai Baht ATM withdrawal!

@David *******

The problem with flying on a one way ticket (into Laos for instance) without a visa is you could be refused a boarding pass. Now officially, Laos doesn't require outbound tickets, but some airlines might enforce it.

You're better off flying to Udon Thani (much cheaper and with more flights), then catching a cross-border bus or minivan to the border. Doesn't take that much longer and you are free to fly one way and take a train or bus the other way or whatever you want to do, without the possibility of being asked for an outbound ticket.

@David *******

It's required? I didn't mean you can leave the country - the website clearly states you can be in another PROVINCE of Laos while applying, but if an interview is required, then what is really going on is that the old in-person process continues, in a slightly different way and instead of a visa sticker, you received an emailed letter.

In other words, the Thai embassy in Vientiane needs to be more transparent and should tell applicants they need to be IN Vientiane when applying, they can't wait somewhere else, otherwise they won't be able to attend the compulsory interview, nor will they be able to make payment (although apparently payment can be made by someone else on your behalf).

@Paul ********

You can cross at any international border crossing. Locals only crossings are permitted only for citizens of the two countries which share the border.

You had an interview? I thought they were trying to make the process entirely online. That makes it difficult for those applying anywhere outside of Vientiane.

@Jeff *******

He meant extension. Semantics I guess.

@Thorsten ********

Normally they want to see a certificate of residency. A TM30 is not normally requested; although I've heard of some offices accepting it as an alternative to the certificate of residency.