Should I apply for a new tourist visa before or after my current extension ends, and which embassy is easier for visa approval in Laos?

The user is on a TR-60 visa extension that expires on March 12 and wants to know whether to apply for a new tourist visa before or after this date. They are also inquiring about the ease of visa approval at either the Thai embassy in Vientiane or Savannakhet. Comment responses indicate that they can apply at their convenience as long as they leave Thailand before March 12 and suggest Savannakhet as the easier option due to the lack of appointment requirements.