What are the requirements for applying for an ED visa at the Vientiane consulate?

Jan 8, 2020
5 years ago
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just a datapoint/fyi: applied for ED visa at Vientiane consulate and was required to provide bank statement along with all the other usual documents. My language school had said that I didn’t need a bank statement when applying at consulates in Laos, so I ended up having to print it out from the small print shop in the consulate for 80 THB per page. Hope this helps someone else avoid the expense and headache of printing it out on site.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An expatriate shared their experience applying for an ED visa at the Vientiane consulate, indicating that they were required to present a bank statement despite being advised otherwise by their language school. This highlights that requirements can vary, and some applicants might be asked for proof of funds at the discretion of the consulate officer. Additional comments discuss the nuances between showing bank statements for visa applications versus cash upon entry into Thailand.
Tod *********
@John *******
I'll post it one more time so you understand

There are two times you're likely to be asked for proof of funds and they are handled totally different

One time is when you are applying for a visa and in that instance you show a bank balance NOT cash

Another time is when you stamp IN to the country and in that instance you show CASH not a bank balance
Tod *********
This came about because of the rampant abuse of the thai ED visa system. it's just a way they can further vet applicants is all.

And remember, there are two times you're likely to be asked for proof of funds and they are handled totally different

One time is when you are applying for a visa and in that instance you show a bank balance NOT cash

Another time is when you stamp IN to the country and in that instance you show CASH not a bank balance
James ********
Remember Consulate/Embassy Officials may ask to see BANK BALANCES OR STATEMENTS...NOT CASH.

Thai Immigration Officers on entry may ask for CASH ...Bank statements or ATM cards not acceptable upon entry.
James ********
Thanks for the update.

Had you been reading the updates on Ed Visa for Vientiane posted by
@Amornrat *********
you would have seen this:

Vientiane

"Non ED (most first timers have no problem, only one application from Language Schools in one full year , cover letter must only indicate your specific level & show bank balance THB 20,000.- & Rental Contract. As of now we can not confirm on how to do with second year applicants"

*****************************************************************************
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
it was my first time. No tourist visas in my passport for Thailand. I had 20k cash and he said, “no, can only be bank statement.” Thankfully he didn’t askfor a rental contract.
Tod *********
Some people are asked for proof of funds when getting an ED visa and some people are not. It's totally up to the consulate officer whether they're gonna ask for it or not.
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
what are the proof of funds requirements? Or is that up to the officer as well?
John ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
hmmmm. Ok. Good to know.
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