An update from Vientiane:
Having held a 12 month volunteer visa (with work permit), and my wife being on a dependent visa, we tried to apply for another volunteer visa. There were many people refused application due to missing paperwork, including something nobody has ever heard of from within Thailand, issued by government: certification of volunteer status from Ministry of Labour.
Despite having my work permit for my last visa, this was still a requirement and was refused the application.
On applying for a tourist visa instead, it was required to have 3 months bank statements, and a copy of the Thai ID of our landlord.
Be aware that the paperwork scrutiny at Vientiane is very tough, given they are asking for things that have never been asked for before.
A lot of people being turned away completely. We were able to put our application in for a tourist visa to collect on Monday, however did not anticipate this level of challenges.
They even asked for the paperwork from when I extended my visa within Thailand last time.
Take this information as you will, but do not expect an easy ride if you're applying for Volunteer visas. Also, Vientiane will no longer issue dependent visas on this basis.
FYI, legit vol visa, work permit and all correct proof as required by all available information to go by, yet still unable to apply. All by the book , but still made very difficult.
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat shares their experience applying for a new volunteer visa in Vientiane after holding one for 12 months, only to be met with increased scrutiny and new paperwork requirements, including a certification of volunteer status from the Ministry of Labour. They highlight difficulties faced during the application process, noting that many applicants were turned away due to missing documents. The expat eventually opted for a tourist visa, which also required extensive documentation, including bank statements and a copy of their landlord's Thai ID. They advise others to be prepared for challenges and note that dependent visas are no longer being issued at Vientiane.
