You are about to enter The Twilight Zone. Just a reminder Logic as you and I know it does not exist here. Happy trails.

@Tamar **********

It is it took me a few tries but was able to open an account about six years ago with a tourist visa. Having said that I have a bad feeling by New Years some major changes coming with all visas.

@Richard *************

Agree. Dating or marrying a Thai woman it is never a bad idea to learn the language and perhaps understand what is going on around you.

@Richard *************

Getting married and living in Thailand learning to speak Thai is not related?

Did you learn to speak any Thai?

@Wylie ******

Chong Mek is much worse. I lost count how many types of transport I needed just to cross the border. Had Taxi Mafia written all over it. That was sadly the last straw for me and Laos. The government has managed to seriously screw up the country. The fast train as on example as just another boondoggle that displaced thousands. Nothing but a eyesore. Having said that Thailand is heading down that same dangerous path also.

@Nongnuch *******

You sure the issue was not the foreigner himself?

@Wylie ******

I have to agree besides paying all the fees to get into Laos now just not worth the hassle. Did enjoy the drama one time when a Euro with his monthly rental hired a long boat to enter illegally. Another criminal genius that somehow made it into Thailand.

@Wylie ******

The requirement is now money in a Thai bank account? Or I guess apply in your home country.

500 baht and I advise DO NOT overstay!