So through dumb luck, foolish behavior and unfortunate circumstances my American friend followed some Thais on a private boat, got separated from his party, and is now stuck in Laos without a Thailand exit stamp or Laos entry stamp. His Thailand tourist visa is still valid for a few weeks, for whatever that is worth, but we're wondering where we go from here to get him back to Thailand or to the States if necessary.

What will happen when he finds an airport and tries to fly? Detention? Fine? Jail? He has his passport, should he claim he lost it or get a new one?

What's the process for resolving this and what will it cost? Should he head to a Laos border and try to get a visa on arrival? Are there forms to fill? Any embassies or consulates that can help or hear his case? Appreciate any suggestions.

Where is he? Vientiane? Elsewhere?

A "lost" passport claim won't help because after getting a new passport at the embassy, he'd still have to go to Lao Immigration to get "stamped in," and that's where he'd be in a jam, no entry in the computer.

Pondering alternatives....

Crossing illegally back to Thailand is, of course, an option, but to emphasize, illegal in his situation, not a real good alternative.

Mac