Is the one-year O visa still available from embassies, and what are the options for someone living in Laos?

The one-year O visa, often referred to as the 'vanilla O visa,' may still be available at Thai embassies depending on the local policies. There are recent discussions regarding health insurance requirements that affect holders of O-A visas, but clarification is needed on whether similar rules apply to the O visa. For someone like your friend living in Laos who needs to visit Thailand regularly, it may be prudent to check with the nearest Thai embassy for the latest visa options and requirements.