Laos Thai Consulate

[tau8]

entered Laos at 7.30am Thursday 18th Dec 2008, - got thru immigration into Laos at 9.30am very slow day there not a large crowd. Driven to Thai Embassy there by 10.00am - gate closed - too many lined up for processing - touts outside commenced touting for same day or next day visa approval - at a variety of fees - what you want you pay for - also application forms for sale from touts at a fee of 20 bht. Touting continued all morning - at 10.30 gates open for 10 more let into gate - lined up for processing - 11.50 offices stood and left area - come back tomorrow - Friday - so a long weekend - exit Embassy grounds - touts now doubled cost for processing - queus of people paying outside of embassy for this process - next day arrive at 7.00am to line up and try again to enter and submit - touts appear - promising for extreme fee - same day assured approval..... finally office opened at 8.45 - processing - exit grounds - touts now offering lower fee for same day approval...fees ranged from 3,500 - 6,000 depending upon time of day and needs. Finally Monday 1.05 pm visa received the legal way. Over two days at least 50 people per day were paying the extra - good for those who have the dosh - my advice dont go any later than a Wednesday to Laos and stop supporting this corruption. In theory a neat million bht a week passes by the touts hands - as also be aware the people who book thru Visa agencies are directed to the front of the queue.......today i have emailed and sent a letter to the minister of Foreign Affairs - do you have any similar stories?

[ubonjoe]

I think getting there early on Wednesday would be the best day. Travel to Vientiane on Tuesday and stay the night so that you are not trying to make it across the bridge to get there early the same day.

Monday never was a good day. Tuesday also because people turned away on Monday will be there early that.

I think this increase of business is because of new border run rules.

Agree on not paying the touts.