Is it advisable to apply for a second SETV visa immediately after completing the first one, or should I do a border run first?

". I'm not in any way abusing the system" The Thai know what there doing. You are allowed unlimited SETV visas, however you can be denied both a visa and also entry (with or without visa).

I have been doing SETV visa for a few years now. Back-to-back. I would recommend getting visa over border-run/border-bounce.

The more Tourist visas you have the more risk you take - but so far I haven't had troubles.

Should go without saying but seems necessary to say.

-- Be polite and presentable both at embassy and border crossing

-- Always travel with the 3 proofs

-- Remember you are not entitled, you are a guest.

You should be fine.

What is your history of SETVs? If you've only had one you'll be fine, if you've had multiple there is a higher risk you'll experience issues at an embassy.

Hello!

1) I wish you best of luck. No one can say for certain, but we have feelings based on our own experiences.

2) I dug through your post history for a more complete picture.

You came here visa exempt last year. Extended it. (60 days)

Then went to Vientiane for SETV. Extended it. (90 days)

Now looking at going back to Vientiane for another SETV which you will likely extend.

This likely won’t be a problem. Adding a border bounce before it won’t help/hurt your history.

The question is: what do you do after this next SETV?

If you say:

Two border bounces that get extended and then “home” or elsewhere for months that’s not a bad option.

If you say: get another SETV, well that’s where it becomes uncertain, especially with Vientiane.

You’d want to try HCMC Vietnam before going back to Laos.

-OR-

Since you want to be here long term, consider applying for ED in HCMC.

You mentioned cost. The school tuition can be found for about or less than 20,000฿.

You’ll need to go to class most of the time and still pay for extensions at Immigration ever 90 days.

There may be a nasty person or two who replies but this group is well moderated.

The point is this: Immigration rules and the uneven enforcement of them has a lot of people worried.

There will be people saying to get the “right visa”. Ignore them. You’re in a relationship possibly with a local and it’s just not that easy.

The future is uncertain so we have to keep our eyes and ears open.

You are probably better off trying for the second SETV immediately. You'll still have the option of two land border runs after, so save them for then. Most consulates will probably give you a second all right. Maybe not Savannakhet.

Try and if you are rejected you can come back visa exempt.

Have you extended your current one yet? That would give you another 30 days.