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.
