UTH001

Took my car into Laos last month, we had all the forms but for some reason, Thai Immigration did not like them, we had to re-do them, plus had to get tons of photocopies made. Took over 1 1/2 hours to get into Laos. No hassles with the police (this time...). We also parked the car overnight at the new train station in Vientiane as we went to LuangPrabang, it was perfectly safe. Would I do it again? Probably! I wish though that with ASEAN, travel by car was made easier! It was very convenient though to have a car in Vientiane, for shopping and sightseeing etc. Tks OP for all the advice, very helpful and much appreciated.

You are not the only one, I do the same! Sick of being ripped off, especially now with the new tax “rules”!

Thais will NEVER be forced to pay!

I like to go to Vientiane for a day trip. Seem to recall that after Covid, a one night stay was required but don't know if that rule/requirement still exists. Possibly now to just enter Laos in the morning and return to Thailand in the afternoon (with Thai re-entry visa)?

I agree, don't think too many won't visit because of that fee. BUT: I am also annoyed that I will have to pay this fee each time I enter. But I am curious how they will include that fee in the ticket price, but exclude Thai nationals. Will they require airlines and booking systems to change their IT systems to make that distinction? Or eventually set up kiosks at airports instead? In addition to the absolutely useless re-entry visa (Bt. 1,000), double or triple pricing (plus their plans to make hotel rooms for foreigners more expensive...) and me paying Thai Income tax each year (which close to 90% of Thais do NOT...). And being required to have Bt. 800,000 in my account for five months of the year, yip, they really make foreigners welcome!

Just started taking Melatonin 2mg, not working for me. Increased to 6mg (three tablets), still not being able to sleep well. At least though, no hangover feeling in the morning. Guess it works for some people and not for others. I wish I could get cannabis on prescription...

Would be interesting to know what actually happened to the 'boyfriend'...

My experience? I get a tax residence certificate each year. But ONLY after I have paid some taxes here. Not paying any taxes = no tax residence certificate, at least in Udon Thani! Same with the Thai Income Tax number, by they way. You only get that, once you are paying taxes.

My US friends in Texas are fully vaccinated and boostered. All four of them (two adults, two kids) had Covid last month. Feeling a bit unwell for two days, and that was that. Less symptoms than that of a flu...