I am currently in Thailand (Chiang Mai) on an Education Visa which expires in January. I dislike the idea of returning to my home country (USA) in the middle of winter. Would I be granted a six-month tourist visa if I went to Vientiane just before my Education visa expires? Any options that can keep me out of the USA until things warm up a bit are greatly appreciated!

You could get 2 - 3 month visas in Vientiane.

You could get a single entry tourist visa that will allow a 60 day entry that can be extended for 30 days at immigration. Then get another one after you have used the total say of 90 day from it.

Two entry tourist visas are no longer issued anywhere.

Assuming you have a valid visa/entry and not an extension of stay.....

• They should issue a new Tourist Visa (SETV) even if the Non 'ED' hasn't expired, but they usually cancel existing/valid visas before issuing a new one.

Thanks!