What is the new online visa application system in Vientienne and what are the average processing times?

Vientienne has recently introduced a new online visa application system which is reportedly hybrid, requiring applicants to be present in Vientienne or Savannakhet for an interview and in-person payments, despite the online application option. Users have shared experiences where bank accounts were checked during the visa interview, and it's emphasized that the 500k Baht requirement must be verified. The average processing times have not been detailed in the discussion.