Questions about my first visa run to Vientiane, advice needed/appreciated

[RikDao]

Hello All - Forgive me if my questions sound TOO remedial.

I am planning on going to Vientiane soon to get my second three-month (60/30) tourist visa for Thailand. I got the first one in the USA before I arrived in Thailand, and it will expire on Dec 6, 2013. Obviously I will be going to Vientiane before that, so I have a couple of related questions:

1) do I need a re-entry permit in order to come back to Thailand (before Dec 6) on my original visa (that is, the one which expires on Dec 6), or will the new three-month visa I hope to get take care of that? and 2) if I need a re-entry visa to get back into Thailand, will they just give me that at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane?

Maybe I'm making it more complicated than it really is, huh? I just wanna be sure.

The reason I'm asking is I just saw this little bit from the TV visa information section:

"If you have an extension of stay and would like to travel outside of Thailand for a short period then an re-entry permit will be needed.

A re-entry permit must be obtained at the immigration office designated for your area. While it states that in an emergency it can be obtained at the airport no member has yet reported whether or not it is possible.

When applying for a re-entry permit you will need to submit the following -

* A completed TM-8 form
* The correct fee
* A 2? photo
* Photocopy of passport (main page, visa page and latest entry stamp)

Current fees for re-entry permit

* 1,000 Baht for single
* 3,800 Baht for multiple"


Thanks.

[lopburi3]

That is for those on one year extensions or early on an extension that they want to return and continue. You will be near the end of your extension it appears (60/30) so would serve no purpose and defeat the reason for your exit/return on a new tourist visa entry allowing a new 60/30. So no re-entry permit - just get the visa for Laos at border and visit Consulate for new Thai tourist visa (a two entry would likely be available if you want to stay longer). When you return you use that new visa for entry (putting the information on your arrival card and checking you get a 60 day stamp).

[RikDao]

That is for those on one year extensions or early on an extension that they want to return and continue. You will be near the end of your extension it appears (60/30) so would serve no purpose and defeat the reason for your exit/return on a new tourist visa entry allowing a new 60/30. So no re-entry permit - just get the visa for Laos at border and visit Consulate for new Thai tourist visa (a two entry would likely be available if you want to stay longer). When you return you use that new visa for entry (putting the information on your arrival card and checking you get a 60 day stamp).

Hey lopburi3!

Thanks a million (baht, not dollars) for the speedy reply! What you say makes perfect sense, and yep, I was making it too complicated, I guess.

RikDao

[ubonjoe]

You can get a 2 entry tourist visa in Vientiane.

[cosmont]

We are waiting your report on the obtention of a double entry tourist visa in Vientiane then, let us know.

[Colabamumbai]

I live in Kalasin in Isaan, Sakhon Nakhon is my reporting office, but I regularly buy re-entry permits at Nong Khai Immigration, on the secondary highway that leads directly to the bridge, it is much more convenient on the way to Vientiane and saves me driving thru Nong Khai. Sakhon Nakhon is 3 hours away on a good day.

Copies of photo page, Lao visa, lao entry stamp for consulate and 2 photos, available in front of consulate as well as application, or copies available upstairs outside.

[willyumiii]

Very important!

Enjoy your visit to Vientiane.

It is an interesting Tourist town with a very French flavor.

As a result of once being a French colony there are even French street names as well as a lot of French food.

There are many inexpensive but nice guest houses to stay in.

The bar scene is there if you want it, same same as Thailand, but a little different.

Very good local beer.

Thai and English are spoken just about everywhere.

Some warnings.

Do not exchange your money for Lao Kip unless absolutely necessary.

You can not exchange the Kip for any other currency when you leave Lao.

The tuk tuk drivers can be pretty pushy.

Some get upset when you do not want to hire them for the little tours they plan for you.

They often want to supply you with marijuana.

If you are foolish enough to buy it, they get paid twice.

Once form yo u and once from the police after they turn you in!