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What is the experience like applying for a Thai visa from Laos?
Thai VisaVisa Application ProcessEmbassy ExperienceLaosExpatriate CommunityVisa InterviewDTV Application
Jul 17, 2025
9 months ago
Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERSo im in vientiane, Laos. Been here since 9th. Paid money 14th....they just gave us an interview date of 1st August FFS.
This is ridiculous.
Update - they kindly moved it forwards for me following a polite request. Looks like il be out of here 9 days from payment so I take back my above comments 😂 had a whale of a time here in Laos. If you bothered to learn any Thai in Thailand youl love it too as they speak issan and a lot of Thai and youl be able to communicate with and get to know some wonderful locals.
This is ridiculous.
Update - they kindly moved it forwards for me following a polite request. Looks like il be out of here 9 days from payment so I take back my above comments 😂 had a whale of a time here in Laos. If you bothered to learn any Thai in Thailand youl love it too as they speak issan and a lot of Thai and youl be able to communicate with and get to know some wonderful locals.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shares their experience of applying for a Thai visa while in Vientiane, Laos. Initially frustrated with a long wait for their interview date, they managed to get it moved up significantly after a polite request. The community discusses the pros and cons of applying from Laos versus other countries, noting that while Laos has its challenges, many enjoy the culture and language opportunities it offers, particularly for those who speak Thai or Isaan.
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John *********
Why do people apply in Laos, it’s been one of the worst places to apply imo
HCMC as an example, there are others is so much more proficient imo
HCMC as an example, there are others is so much more proficient imo
Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
because an interview could be the difference between you getting rejected over incorrectly understood paperwork evidence or getting the visa. It's worth the extra waitJohn *********
@Nick ********
sorry don’t agree, the process is very simple to understand if one reads all the requirements and procedures, also reading these forums and carrying out due diligence. If you carefully fill in the online forms and submit the correct paperwork etc, you should be processed within 7-10 working days approx. Who wants to waste time having an interview, they usually call people for interviews to check if they are still in the country or want to look a bit further into the applicant. Anyway up to the individual, keep it all simple.
Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John ********
I paid on Monday and my interview is next Friday that's literally 9 working days. Ide rather come to a country where I can speak the language also.I don't think it's gone that badly tbh. Either way should be home Friday next week 🙏
I appreciate your insight however so thankyou.
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Nick *********
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Paul *********
Same timeframe when I did it you should have searched the recent posts I mentioned going elsewhere it’s a dump
Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ********
I've been to Vietnam and Malaysia etc. had way more fun here in Laos than I did there lol. Perspectives vary Tomorrow off to vang vieng for a few days while I wait. That will be even better.
I can speak near fluent Thai so being able to actually speak to people here (laotian is isaan and very similar to Thai) has made a huge difference...such as this amazing night we had two nights ago with the locals lol. I'm just super home sick and want to get back to rawai.
In high sight if ide gone to Vietnam or something for it ide probably be home by now however.
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Nick *********
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Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERFollowing a very polite request they were able to bring the date forwards to the 25th. 😁🙏🙂 I am very grateful for this. The embassy was very helpful and responded to me very quickly. I would now recommend Laos for dtv applications. ♥️🙏 Thankyou God, Buddha and life for granting me this wish today. I am very happy right now
Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTEROne of the best things about SE Asia in the entire several years I've lived out here is politeness and good manners often go a very long way. UK would have been like "computer says no" 🤣🙏♥️
Andi ***********
@Nick ********
Very true.Reply to
Andi ***********
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Andi ***********
@Nick ********
That is great, i just posted you may be lucky in getting it brought forward...Reply to
Andi ***********
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AuthenticPas************
Laos is place of corruption
Anonymous ******************
AuthenticPassionfruit644 All of SEA. Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, etc. Welcome to SEA where the people you deal with on a day to day basis are the first generation to not be a rice farmer and are the first in their bloodline to have access to foreigners with money.
Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAuthenticPassionfruit644 I think it's a lovely place. People are amazing and living is affordable. I just miss Thailand lol 🤣
AuthenticPas************
@Nick ********
yes true i mean the department related to governmentNick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAuthenticPassionfruit644 I offered to pay for an earlier appt and they said that isn't an option and did it for free. Whereas I agree with you re: se Asia corruption my experience in Laos has been quite the opposite.
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Nick *********
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AuthenticPas************
So unfortunate
John **********
13 working days so not so bad. The day you pay doesn't count and there is one holiday in the mix. The good news is you will likely get the visa immediately after the interview
Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
definitely worth the wait for a 5 year validity visa. No worries :)Reply to
Nick *********
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Anonymous ******************
You've unfortunately applied to an embassy where interviews are compulsory... There are plenty of people on the waiting list and other visas/matters to be dealt with.
Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 127 10-15 days would have been somewhat desirable lol. No worries...will go stay in vang vieng while we wait now that we know when the interview is. Was just a bit of a shock to wake up to as keen to get home and have property to maintain etc.
Is what it is, not the end of the world and understand their busy.
I've sent them an email asking if there are any fast track options I could pay for but I'm assuming the answer to that is no lol
Is what it is, not the end of the world and understand their busy.
I've sent them an email asking if there are any fast track options I could pay for but I'm assuming the answer to that is no lol
Andi ***********
@Nick ********
You may be lucky and be given an earlier date, i know some have tried that with success but in Taipei. Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang are great places. Luang Namtha is an interesting hilltribe, riverside area. The good thing with Laos is you will get your approval very quickly after the interviewNick *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
thanks for your advice here :) you've been very helpful.Reply to
Nick *********
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Anonymous ******************
@Nick ********
I understand. Exactly, just go enjoy Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and so ones until the interview. The train is pretty affordable.Nick *********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 127 thankyou, you have been very helpful and I appreciate you calming me down with this advice.
🙏♥️
🙏♥️
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Nick *********
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