and i'm not advocating breaking the law by the way (although I don't always carry my passport - shoot me!), i'm saying that a little bit of independent though is necessary and, well, fine

Tony Dadson I'm not saying they are. I'm saying that some of the definitions are very vague that interpretation or 'is there any way I can get caught' comes into the decision making process. Ask yourself honestly, do you take your passport out with you literally every time you go anywhere? If not you're breaking the law. Which leads me to Robert Lagas' point - presumably you break the law by not always taking your passport with you, or getting on a bike without a helmet, or staying in an AirBnB, or whatever. At some point there's a judgment call, and it's not as black and white as you make out

Robert Lagas I am giving advice that common sense is needed when deciding how to interpret vague, poorly written and unenforceable laws. For example, the law says that you must carry your passport at all times as a foreigner. If someone asked me "do I need to take my passport with me if I go to my local " I would say "no, don't bother".

Yes, but their laws say you can't have gatherings of more than 5 people (which thus makes parties illegal), or that it's illegal to promote alcohol (thus making illegal for a waiter to recommend which wine goes with the pasta). Sometimes their laws make no sense. The definition of 'volunteering' is so vague that at some point a bit of common sense interpretation is required

There is a sign to this effect outside the consulate in Vientiane. I can't remember if the list of countries is the same here, but I do remember Vietnam being on the list and thinking that was a little odd

I know some people on these forums interpret the rules very strictly, but honestly, how could you possibly be 'caught' for such a thing? I would give the talk and not worry about it

You can also enter via land border as many times as you like, which is a massive bonus for someone like me who lives just across the border....

Yes, it's the consulate on Bourichan Road, NOT the Embassy. I'm sure every tuk tuk driver in town will know the way, or better still get yourself a bicycle and cycle there - it's one of the few capital cities left in Asia where you can easily (if a little sweatily) cycle. Also enjoy beer Laos for the equivalent of 30b - those glory days have long gone from Thailand!

Hmmm, well, getting rid of mostly non-white visa regulations violators at least....

There's a copy shop in the Consulate, so if the wind is blowing in that direction and they want copies of Laos stamps, you can do it there...