what are the current paperwork requirements for a tourist visa in Vientiane? Thanks

Just need your passport, 2 pictures, and probably your arrival slip from the airport needs to be in your passport. I did it in Vientiane 2 months ago, no worries, got a double entry. Just extended for 30 days at Jomtien. Took the train up to Nong Khai from BKK, it was nice. Oh, cost for visa was 2000 baht.

I did it a few months ago at Khon Khaen (Loas consulate), just filled in the form in the waiting area (take a pen) handed it into the guy at he desk with your passport (didn't ask for photos), 10 minutes later it was done! 1000baht, very simple process.

What I need to know is

1. Do I need a flight out of Thailand within the visa period?

2. Confirmed hotel reservativations for time to be spent in Thailand, or just initial first few days?

3. Bank statement or otherwise?

Sorry did not clarify to begin with, US citizen. Thanks

No these are not currently required. But could be asked for anyone at any time.

Lopburi3 is right, at least in my case. No air reservations/ticked or hotel reservations were asked for. There is a place on the visa form for where you are staying in TH. I did bring a copy of my air reservations back just in case though, just printed it out from the airline site. For going into Lao, it cost either $ 35 USD or 1500 baht so if you have 35 bucks you save a bit. Also baht spends in Lao, I only spent baht, they give you back change in Lao Kip which I don't think is spendable outside Lao, not sure.

How long is the visa for Laos valid for? I might stay a while...

Lao visa on entry is valid for 30 days.

Thanks, perfect

And I know I can only get 2 double tv , but can I get 1 double (in use now) then get a single, go away for 3 weeks at Xmas and then get another single?! My current double tv expires start aug.... If I then go get a double it would only have 3 months validity to use so if I left I we Xmas I'd basically loose the second half?!?!

You can not normally obtain more than one active visa (one/two/three/multi entry) in a passport. But getting consecutively up to three is not normally a problem but each request is up to current check/policy.

So current plan is early August go to vientienne and get a single which I extend in Phuket for 3 months to early dec.... Fly to Sri Lanka for Xmas and ny and whilst there get another single (or double if they will give) .... Once that runs out and I want to stay I will do a Thai language course.... Floors in my plan????

Sounds workable.