I'm off to Laos in a couple weeks to get a new stamp on my 1 year non-im B visa. I know I can get the visa at the border but just to be safe I thought I'd get the visa at the Laos embassy in Bangkok before leaving.

Does anybody have any experience doing this? It's just off the Skytrain Station at Surasak, right?

When is it best to go? What process should I expect?

Oh, and my Thai gf will get a cheap and easy visa at the Laos border with her passport, right?

Thanks.

I don't know about it being near the surasak skytrain station. when i went , it was in a most incovenient place, there is only one bus route that passes it. it is to the east of Huay Kwang and to the north and west of Ramkamhaeng Road. You can get to it from either Ramkamhaeng Road or the road across from Robinson's on Ratchadaphisek Road. either way, its about halfway between the two. be careful no to miss it as it is off the road and down a soi a bit (there is a convenience store on the corner - how's that for narrowing it down!)

i rode my bike there.

the process is the same as at most places. apply in the morning and then come to pick it up on the third day. that is due to all the efficiency there. bring a few pictures and fill out the forms there. there is also an 'express' service where you can pick it up the same afternoon for about ฿1,000. unless you say otherwise, you will be assumed to want this service as you are a farang. but being that it is located where it is, I don't think they get too many refusals. I refused because I'd rather waste time than get ripped off.

Thanks for the help.

You're right, it's not by surasak. I think that's the Myanmar embassy I remember and got them mixed up.

Anyway, I have an idea of the area you're talking about and it's really not easy going there. My plan is to go to Khao San and have them take care of it for me. They did last time I went to Laos too.