.

"which is now thankfully under scrutiny for US citizens, who have hitherto been able to "declare" a fictitious income and signed declaration thereto."

Raindancer,

What information do you have to support this claim? Myself and others have seen no changes in the procedures to obtain a U.S. Embassy letter in several years.

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Thai immigration also has the option to ask for proof of this income as well. Remeber you are making a sworn declaration to this income which can have legal ramifications. I think RD must be a flustrated UK guy who has to show his proof every year. I have too also ask why is the OP abuseing the system he is not working and has every right to a tourist visa.

[...snip...]

For Non-immigrant "O" visa the Embassy would not issue me with a two-entry or multi-entry visa..

[...snip...]

What does this mean, please?

That he got only a single entry non-O visa, good for 1 stay of 90 days.

-lovelaos-

Thanks for information, but why not enforce than stricter controls at the border, why e second custom control line behind the border?

Tea money interests?

Customs always operates with secondary search of suspects (and this is true anywhere in the world). Likely the person asking for the cig got impression that as a smoker he might be in possession of more than allowed and customs followed up with a search. Even in the middle of the country such checks can take place as anyone travelling by bus can likely relate, both by police and customs.

it's all very nice and interesting - especially your verbal fighting's!!!!! my visa trip from BKK to Vientiane and back is all inclusive not more than 6/7.000 baht! using the lao mafia in front of the thai consulat in Vientiane is more than stupid! Cheers!

Agree with Fogoyes about the cost of this trip, I've done it last year (2011) and I recall somewhere in the neighbourhood of 6,500-6,000 baht for the whole deal. But of course used the overnight bus/train, stayed only one night in Vientiene, and have not used the agents.

I also recall it as a very annoying trip...

I just did my run to Vietiane on June 25th 2012. I already had 2 Single Entry Visas and a bunch of 30 day VOA and I managed to get a Double Entry no problem. Didn't even ask me any questions.

Vietiane is sort of dusty and dirty, but it's got some nice architecture and good food. I got the Visa within a day.

I just did my run to Vietiane on June 25th 2012. I already had 2 Single Entry Visas and a bunch of 30 day VOA and I managed to get a Double Entry no problem. Didn't even ask me any questions.

Vietiane is sort of dusty and dirty, but it's got some nice architecture and good food. I got the Visa within a day.

As I will be in Vientiane next Nov., could you tell me normally how long the Thai Consulate takes to process the visa ? Thanks

Apply day one and pick-up the next working day in the afternoon.

Cutting costs is fun, I never see it as a hardship. If I did, I would stop it.

I never do without a good meal, a bottle of beer, a decent place to put my head. As for transport - I love trains and will go via bus.

You have gained nothing by flying. Up at the crack of dawn, off to the airport...no sleep for you. Great sleep on the train. Wake up and always (always) make it to the border before all the guys get off that bus up from UBP. So, you had less sleep, arrived later and paid more. Excellent!

Walking gives me an opportunity for exercise as well as to meet people and see things. I like to have a look in the markets and shops, never know what I am going to find. I also walk because it is the only true way to get to know the layout of a city. It is not a hardship. I was given to legs, best I use them.

B25k for a tourist visa single, even double - that is insane. That is just shy of one thousand us dollars. I've done this trip for <6k including double visa and drinks. I also often used to stay an addl day as well. I will state though - Vientiane is a pretty poor value and you must be very careful where to sleep and eat these days. I would stay away from river front - even the cheap restaurants are pricey. Those little places they put up on the river, so lovely a decade++ ago are now nothing more than a rip-off.

Bowl of soup in the AM, Pate Lao sandwich in the markets, fend for yourself in the evening :-))

Edited August 25, 201213 yr by bangkokburning