@Tod ********

FYI I was once asked to show proof of onward travel at the airport before boarding a one-way flight despite having a valid SETV in passport. Happened when flying Cathay Pacific out of New York in 2011. I had a flight to Vietnam already booked which satisfied them. But mentioning it b/c I often see people say that airlines only ask for onward travel proof if the traveler has no visa (as you just advised). That was not my experience the only time I've flown that route one way before I got a Non-Imm visa.

^This is wrong. A flight from Thailand to Laos would satisfy both the airline from her home country and Thai immigration if they were to ask for proof of onward travel when she applies for the first tourist visa. They would only need to see that she plans to leave the country, and going to Laos would of course be leaving the country. Jessica, don't tell Thai immigration or the airline that you only intend to go to Laos just to get a new visa and then come back to Thailand. If they ask, tell them you intend to travel around the region long term.

Take a cruise ship? From Vientiane? 🙄

You're allowed 2 land entries per calendar year if using the 30-day visa exemptions. There is no limit on number of land entries if using tourist visas.

Yup, I'd bet that someone will post here within the next day saying something about a "30 day visa."

One year ago I checked van/bus timetables and prices from Hat Yai to four Malaysia border crossings (and many other places) you can find them here:

@Ivan ***********

Public minibuses also run frequently from Hat Yai to the Padang Besar crossing.