Well, in my situation the guy stated the rule correctly as you explained it here (running year). A year from my last application last November 13th, 2017. Are you saying Savannakhet might not be following neither the false calendar year rule nor the running year rule?
I think you're right about the paperwork needing to be different. I'll figure out today what I'll do. Probably just easier to wait it out. Waiting in that queue again is not something I look forward to though.