Going to start a student visa

to do so I have to go to Laos, looking for a visa run company that sets everything up and takes care of you

through the whole process

Yes I know I can do it myself, but would rather just relax and enjoy the ride

Recommendations? where they are? etc

thanks

Hmmm I was of the understanding that you need to get the school sorted out first..... it has to be a school accredited by the government/immigration department to teach Thai to foreigners.

Once thats done then the school will prepare all the required paperwork for you. All you need to do after that is get a run across to to Vientiane consulate, the rest should be history.

Sorry I havent answered your question. Maybe someone else has a better idea

Hmmm I was of the understanding that you need to get the school sorted out first..... it has to be a school accredited by the government/immigration department to teach Thai to foreigners.

Once thats done then the school will prepare all the required paperwork for you. All you need to do after that is get a run across to to Vientiane consulate, the rest should be history.

Sorry I havent answered your question. Maybe someone else has a better idea

yes that is correct school first I get the paper work done at the school that is no problem

In chon Buri where I used to be there used to be visa run companies where they take you across the boarder in a mini bus, have a room ready for you, take u where u need to go etc, u just sat back and let them do most of the work... they not up here in Chiang Mai?

Not in Chiang Mai, no.

Bus to Udon Thani (check you get the right day, different companies, one good, one not). Bus to the border. Over the border, straight to the embassy, line up in the sun, sweat, burn, hand application, photos and passport in, find hotel, pick up next day if you got there before midday.

Or fly for lots of money. Or get the boat, then bus.

Best bet, Nok Air, fly direct to Hat Yai then their minibus to Penang (all in one ticket). There are agents there who will sort it out for you.

AYA Service will pick you up in Chiang Mai and take you as far as the Thai consulate in Vientiane. Then you are on your own for the night, to pick up your passport the next day, and to get back over the bridge to the Thai side. From there they will bring you back to Chiang Mai. Its ~1500B/pax for return trip (includes transport costs only) They offer an additional to complete your visa apps, and there are people outside the consulate that will do the same. Not sure of the prices.