What are the best options for traveling to Laos and back to Thailand, and what are the visa requirements for a French citizen?

@Rumi *****************

Visa into Laos is by road is approximately $35. And he doesn’t need to sleep there. This is how border runs are done. If he doesn’t have any previous history travelling in and out of Thailand this should be fine.

As said, if you just want the new 30 days exemption, it’s very convenient to use a Land border transport company. There are several in the tourist spots and in Bangkok. They are very experienced and it’s done just in some hours every day at 3- 3500 thb including everything.

@Rumi *****************

Ok, with a French passport he’s entitled to a 30 days visa exemption at any border into Thailand. The general rule are two entries by land in a calendar year and some more by airports. Is no specific amount of time you’ll need to be out of country to get another or a new visa exemption. Normally you just stamp out of Thailand, into a nearby country and return. If he don’t have any previous history travelling in and out of Thailand, this should be no issues. If you just want the new 30 days exemption and don’t have any plans for a trip outside Thailand anyway, I’ll recommend to just use a land border transport company where you stay. It’s normally just done in some hours within one day and it’s not expensive.

@Rumi *****************

if you have done a border run to Laos before, it will be exactly the same for a French passport holder.