Not when he says he doesn't want to use it and wants to keep it in the bank ;) "another question how do some go on as 18k tied up is quite a bit of cash? I know people on retirement that don't have that money?"...........It looks like he is planning to live on a lot less than that perhaps....?? Yes I agree easy to live on 65K......BUT once you factor in rent, transport, entertainment, an emergency fund (everyone should have) and VERY IMPORTANTLY....a good insurance plan (everyone should have).....65k is not really a huge amount.......especially if you will have trouble producing this amount when it comes to visa renewal later ;)

If you don't have that sort of money then perhaps you are retiring too early or under-prepared. That is only 65K Baht a month, which is not a lot to live on.

This is true. Vientiane is the best as it is easiest.

For a tourist visa there are no requirements other than passport photos and cash in Thai baht. They you get copies of the Laos entry visa and your passport, etc, fill out the form and submit. have to stay one night.

Yes. Cash.

So then you have answered your own question. You say that the process may be complicated and you don't want to book a flight tickets......and that is directly due to the consulate that you have chosen. if you want it to be easy with no need for onward tickets or anything else then go to Vientiane. If you want to go to another consulate, then be prepared to have all the required paperwork ;) Eventually you will have problems with the 30 tourist visa exemption process as they do not allow people to stay long term in Thailand as you you are not a tourist. Good luck.

Go to Vientiane.

Go to Vientiane.

You start getting fined at 15 and up, so it would make sense to get things organized on an ED visa before that. Under 15 I would imagine a lot of kids go to school with no visa and have no problems. Don't have personal experience on the subject however.

Thanks :)