How can an individual applicant book an appointment for a Thai visa at the Vientiane consulate?

Question on the Vientiane (Laos) Thai consulate:

Is it possible to get an appointment online to submit applications for an individual? I understand that people who travel with an agency can get appointments online but it seems the system doesn't allow for individual applicants (without an agency) to book an appointment online.

When I went there last time, I just walked in and joined the queue already seated inside. But a friend said it's different now, and you have to have an appointment? How does it work?

I'm trying to help a friend who's going there next week to make an application for a non-o im. visa. Anyone with a recent experience in VN?