Upnotover

Well done. You qualify for the "i never had a problem" camp.

The 2 land entry rule has gone so he need not be concerned with that. If he makes the trip independently he may find he has to stay in Laos 1 or 2 nights, not the worst thing that could happen to you. Getting a tourist visa is not as easy as it was, now Laos is an e-visa country it is uncertain exactly how long he'd have to wait there for the visa. In any case he will get a 60 day exempt entry anyway which can also be extended so a tourist visa offers little added value.

They open up day by day, but I'm not sure at what time.

I registered easily with my phone number but likely this is not useful for tax refunds.

Very doubtful (legally) but interested what made you ask the question - facebook advert?

Quite possibly with no functioning juristic body there was nobody collecting (or at least spending) residents fees and therefore the gate is open and unprotected.

There is no definitive answer, as many people will tell you yes as will tell you no. But even asking the question suggests you already knew that.

That is visiting on business on behalf of a non Thai employer. It obviously does not cover being employed in Thailand.

I used to go to Queen Sirikit near Rayong and for sure, there was a notice on the wall telling that foreigners paid more (I think 50%). Absolutely fine by me.

Talad Noi maybe?

If you stay in a hotel do you do it? No. It is their responsibility. Same applies to staying in your wifes home. Immigration may have shifted the onus onto the person staying but ultimately in your situation is is actually her responsibility (and easier) to do it herself.

As it is your wife that is supposed to do the TM30 why not just get her to register? She then simply reports your presence as required.

I think you are right, the truth for instance.