No you do NOT have to buy a return ticket/onward travel ticket. I did my SETV in Vientiane 2 weeks ago with no questions asked at the embassy. You could possibly be asked as you enter Thailand to show 3 things, k cash, Onward travel ticket and proof of accommodation. This has been requested from people that have a few Thai visas already in their passports. If you have a few Single Entry Thailand visa (SETV) then I would recommend having 20k with you. You can "book" an onward travel ticket for B600 if you want to have all the required paperwork if they request it :-)

UPDATE: Just crossed at the Thai/Lao Friendship bridge and it was no hassle at all. Got a smile and some directions :-)

Thanks Phil! Someone confused me in the queue, probably mistaken for the exempt stamp :-)

Yes I want a land border entry instead of an international entry at Don Muang, by doing it with Nokair, I have a domestic flight so no worries after I cross the border. And I have the time so an extra day in Laos is not problem at all :-)

I have to withdraw money and thought there will be some atms that will give dollars but I tried everywhere. Only thing I can think of now is to withdraw kip and then change to baht (The exchange rate isn't that good but looks like my only option to have 20k with me, just to be safe)

Whats the best way to get dollars here in Laos for when I return and possibly have to show B20k ($800)

Thanks a lot! Think thats all I need 😉👊👊

Awesome man! Thanks for the info! Any other tips you can offer as I am there for 5 days 😂

Thanks! Just change Baht to Kip or Dollars to Kip?

Yes I also heard this :-) As I am leaving that wasnt a problem for me