KED

Yes I can echo the previous post. I applied for the visa on Wednesday 14Jan, and there is a new number system that was just started. Since this is a new system, hopefully they will work the kinks out of it.

Issue #! - the person distributing the numbers is just inside the front entrance on the right (usually seated in a chair). I arrived about 9:30 AM and didn't even notice him because there are multiple touts right outside the entrance and the person handing out the numbers has 3-6 people chatting away. He doesn't volunteer to hand you a number - you have to know to ask. As a result, many people just head straight to the application window and then have to be told to get a number. There should be a sign or something advising of the system. Also, who exactly are these 3-6 people...are they also touts...they didn't seem to have any responsibilities or to be associated with the embassy.

Issue #2 - Once you figure out you need a queue number, there is no display or PA system to let you know what number they are processing. Again, this is a new system, so they hopefully have something in the works. I mean airline ticket offices, True payment office and even immigrations at Sathorn have L.E.D. displays so you know when to approach the desk.

Issue #3 - after you application is accepted, and you enter the main building to pay, at first they were using a PA system to announce when you should pay; however, after about 5 times they just stopped and started holding up applications and passports. Now, there are about 75 people in the room so unless you hovered around the counter, no way you would know you were being summoned.

Also unique for today was that apparently their computers crashed because when I first entered they were calling people fairly quickly, but then there was a good 30 minute period when nothing was happening. Finally they began holding up the applications at the counter. Once I saw mine and approached I paid the THB 2000 fee and the woman advised me to come back for my passport tomorrow. I asked her what about a receipt and she said "sorry our computers are not working" So, I left and will go back tomorrow with no receipt or anything....

In response to some previous posts, the downloaded visa application is accepted without a problem. But make sure it is the Thai Application which is unique to the Vientiane embassy. There are other generic Thai applications which are not accepted. You know it is the correct one if it has Vientiane Consular Section on top. DO NOT support these touts in paying them for services which are not required.

Also, there was a previous mention that you needed a photocopy of your Laos entry stamp - not true. You only need a completed application, 2 photos and a photocopy of your photo page of your passport.

I was there on a Wednesday and didn't bother to arrive early...I just showed up around 9:30 AM and I only had about 20 people before me...the best advice is stay away from Monday and it is fairly painless.

Wow, I've had 3 ltr with thai guys and never experienced this sort of behavior. I agree that while there are many cultural differences between farang and thai, you need to communicate with each other and BOTH need to try to understand the other.

However, if you ask the person two or three times if they are hungry and they say no but then pout and bitch about not getting them any food, this is beyond a cultural chasm. I would explain to the other half why i think his behavior was irrational, then listen to his idea about why he reacted this way. But, if this drama kept happening...i would seriously lose interest in him.

Love is about mutual respect.