Thai

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1 Year Ed Visa: Hand to Hand Combat
1 Year Ed Visa: Hand to Hand Combat 150 150 cmbadmin

How To Get a 12 Month Education Visa Without Studying Thai

Digital Nomads, Expats and Visitors that want to stay and live in Chiang Mai for 12 Months without having to learn Thai!

It happens all the time. People come to visit Chiang Mai, fall in love with the place, then want to stay much longer than first anticipated.

Not long ago you could get a 12-month Education Visa to “study” the Thai language which included an exemption from the 90-day reporting to immigration. How quickly things change. Not only has length of stay for this visa been slashed to 6 months, Thai Immigration now wants to see you every 90 days for that legendary reporting process that takes 3-5 hours and can add years to your life. If that wasn’t bad enough, Immigration is actually now spot testing Thai language proficiency and rejecting visa extensions for those who fail. To top it all off, class times have also increased.

So where does this leave you if you want to stay as a Digital Nomad serving your clients from afar or as a semi-retired individual not old (or rich) enough to qualify for a Retirement Visa.

What if I were to Tell You There is a Way?

What if you could obtain a 1 year ED Visa without learning Thai or having to attend as much school time? You can get the one year visa for a total cost of 35,000 baht. No more hassle waiting 5 hours at Immigration every 90 days for your Education Visa. No need to spend hours a week studying to ensure you pass the Immigration spot tests. And a whole year not just the new 6 months on the typical Thai Language ED Visa

The school will arrange to take you to Immigration (they queue in the morning and call you in) and make sure everything goes well.

AND

Your trainers are Military Police!  It’s not Immigration you have to worry about—it is the Army. Imagine having connections with the people who can really help you?

Additional Information

Retirement Visa
All Types of Visa’s

 

 

Here is the short and sweet of the 1 year ED Visa

bullet-greenED Visa for 12 Months
bullet-greenHand to Hand and Body Guard Training
bullet-greenNo More Immigration Problems
bullet-greenNo More Study of Thai Language
bullet-greenOnly 35,000 Baht
bullet-greenThai Military Police Instructor
bullet-greenTrainer is a VIP Bodyguard in Chiang Mai
bullet-greenSchool arranges all Immigration Visits and 90-Day Reporting
bullet-greenLow Commitment of Time Compared to ED Visa (Learning Thai)
bullet-greenAmazing Contacts in the Military Police
bullet-greenLearn a Skill that will Benefit you the Rest of your Life

 

You get to Stay 12 Months in Thailand!

PLUS – You get to make a friend of a high-ranking official of the Military Police

How to get a Self Defense Hand-to-Hand Combat Visa and Live in Chiang Mai for One Year

This is a self defense training school that is suitable for all ages and all fitness levels.  You are learning self defense and combat which does not require a high level of personal fitness.  Not only that, this is cool stuff. You learn to take care of yourself and how to defend yourself.

Thai Ed Visa Combat School

If you are traveling the world you should
be able to take care of your personal safety.

 

Click Here to Learn More!

[blog_posts count=”5″ post_category=”Visa Services” title=”Further Details: Our Articles on Visa Topics” link_text=”Read More” character_count=”115″ layout=”default” excluded_cat=””]

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Thai 1 Year Non O Volunteer Visa
Thai 1 Year Non O Volunteer Visa 150 150 cmbadmin

How to get a 1 year Non O Volunteer Visa/Work Permit.

Digital Nomads, Expats and Visitors that want to stay and live in Chiang Mai for 12 Months!

If you have decided that Chiang Mai is the place for you and you would like to stay longer, you want to know what are the best Visa options to accomplish this.  Until recently you could get an ED Visa and learn Thai Language, and stay for a year – but now Immigration want to see you every 90 days and the reporting process takes 3-5 hours.  Worse, they now are actually testing your Thai language skills and rejecting your Visa if you fail.

But what if you want to stay here, either as a Digital Nomad to work on your own business, or as a longer term semi retirement and you are not old enough (or have sufficient savings) to qualify for a Retirement Visa?

What if I was to tell you there is a way? 

What if you could obtain (for around the same price as a 6 month education Visa), 1 year Non O Volunteer Visa and a Thai Work Permit?  You can get the one year visa and work permit for a year for a total cost of 35,000 baht.  No more hassle waiting 5 hours at immigration every 90 days for your Education Visa. No need to spend hours a week studying to ensure you pass the Immigration spot tests. And a whole year not just the new 6 months on the Ed Visa

Get 12-18 Months Non O Visa and make these Kids Happy!

Get 12 Months Non O Visa and make these Kids Happy!

Additional Information
Retirement Visa
All Types of Visa’s

 

Here is the short and sweet of the 1 year Non O Volunteer Visa and a Thai Work Permit

bullet-greenNon O Volunteer Visa for 12-18 Months
bullet-greenWork Permit for Volunteer
bullet-greenNo More Immigration Problems
bullet-greenNo More Study of Thai Language
bullet-greenOnly 35,000 Baht
bullet-greenNon Profit Organization
bullet-greenCan renew following year without leaving Thailand
bullet-greenCan exit the country multiple times (With Entry Visa)
bullet-greenLow Commitment Time as a Volunteer compared to Language ED Visa

 

You get to Stay 12 Months in Thailand!

PLUS – You get to give back to those who are not as fortunate

How to get a Volunteer Visa and Thai Work Permit and Live in Chiang Mai for One Year

This is a Visa and Work permit for Non Profit Organization. You will be required to engage in volunteer activities with the charity (primarily assisting disadvantaged children).  This will be in the form of

Volunteer work for the charity: 

* Cooking and preparing food
* Delivery and serving food packages in local schools and Hill-Tribe communities
* Planting Trees in Villages
* Teaching English to Children
* Many other types of work

Procedure to Apply

1) Ask Questions with Email or make a 15 Min Appointment to Discuss in our Office.

2) Send in or Bring in this Completed Form.

cmbuddycustomerinformation

We will forward your details to the Non Profit Organization who will conduct the necessary security checks with both local police and from your home State or Country.

If Accepted  to Continue ….

3) Bring your passport into Chiang Mai Buddy (we need copies), the 35,000 Baht Processing Fee and 12 photos size 6 x 4 cm and 12 photos 3.5 x 4.5 cm and 3 Work Permit Photos 3 x 4 cm.  Please be sure that the photos have a white background and that the work permit photos are obtained from a proper photography store using real photographic paper. The other photos can be obtained from any shop printing photos on a printer.

4) We will send your application out for processing.  (We can schedule an Appointment with the Head of the NPO, and Visa services if you require to satisfy your questions)

5) In 2-3 Days your documentation to apply for a Non O Visa will be ready (Pick up from Chiang Mai Buddy)

6) Do Visa trip to Laos (or Embassy of your choice – so long as we know), handing in your Visa Application at Thai Embassy (takes 2-3 days)

7) You will now have a 90 day Non O Visa

Come Back to Thailand

8) Obtain Medical Cert for Work Permit (Includes test for syphilis) 250-360 Baht from a Hospital (Not Medical Clinic)

9) Details of your Address, copies of Degrees (and address of the School) and/or Resume (CV) will then need to be provided

10) After a few days you will be taken to the Ministry of Employment and issued a letter granting permission to extend your visa one year and a work permit

11) Extend your Visa for 12-18 months (This depends on the Immigration Officer on any one day)

You can renew visa and work permit for the following year (no need to leave Thailand again) and leave the country multiple times with a Multi Entry Visa (additional cost)

N.B.

1) Having all of the required documentation before you leave to obtain your Visa is preferred.
2) Please be sure that the photos have a white background and that the work permit photos are obtained from a proper photography store using real photographic paper. Photos printed with blue background and work permit photos printed on on standard consumer paper will be rejected.

[hr]

What is Included

The processing fee includes

1) The Non Profit preparing the documentation inviting you to Apply (required for the Non O Visa)
2) Processing of documentation every 3 months to extend your Visa
3) Processing of the Work Permit Documents
4) Taking you out to collect your Work Permit
5) All fee associated for the year for processing

What you will have to do

1) Go to a Thai Embassy of your Choice
2) Go to Immigration to process the Visa Extension (documents provided)
3) 90 Day Reporting
4) Provide your own resources for living in Thailand
5) Remain or return to Chiang Mai for Immigration Visits and Volunteer requirements

[hr]

Benefits of a Non O Visa and Work Permit

For the average Digital Nomad, or short time visitor to Chiang Mai, a tourist Visa is all that is required.  But for those who desire to stay longer, there are so many more benefits to having a legal backing and permission to live (and work) in Thailand. While some of the following are possible on a Tourist Visa, most are not.  Once you have a Non O Visa and Work Permit, you can

bullet-greenOpen a Bank Account
bullet-greenPurchase and Sell Vehicles
bullet-greenNo More waiting at Immigration
bullet-greenNo More Visa Runs or Boarder Crossings
bullet-greenNo More Residency Certificates Required
bullet-greenDiscounts to Government Parks and Attractions
bullet-greenCan WORK Legally (as a Volunteer)
bullet-greenOpen a trading account with a broker
bullet-greenCan get a Thai Credit Card
bullet-greenSpouse can obtain a Non – O visa
bullet-greenEasier to send money out of the country
bullet-greenThai Social Security system – Full health care coverage
bullet-greenGet a Thai driving license
bullet-greenSend your kids to a Thai public school at low cost
bullet-greenImproved status of stay in the Kingdom (can stay forever)
bullet-greenGet a mobile phone contract easier
bullet-greenHire Purchase and Monthly Installments on Purchases
bullet-greenGet Thai rather than Farang Prices
bullet-greenAirport Thai passport holders desk Check In
bullet-greenPeace of Mind with Thai Authorities 

[hr]

Obligations to the Non Profit Organization

volunteer visa

You are applying to be a Volunteer, and as such you will be obligated to do charity work.  Every 90 days the Charity is obligated to send evidence of you being a volunteer.  If you do not volunteer your time then your Visa will be cancelled.  While we offer assistance to a few non profits, the most popular is the a foundation who works with disadvantaged children.  You will be contacted during your stay here about the various activities you have been selected to participate in, and you will be obligated to find your way to this activity.  Usually within 10-15 kilometers of the city of Chiang Mai.

1. Feed School Children  Free lunch is provided to school children. You will go to the school with the NPO and help hand out pre-made lunches.

2. Second hand for Children You can made donations of used property which will be collected and donated to Children in the Mountain and rural areas.  You will help transport and distribute these items

3. Book/Pen/Pencil anything for study!  The NPO provides educational materials to students.  You can donate and hand out some stationary.
4. Teaching English.  Every now and again you will be obligated for half a day (or longer if you wish) to play games that help Thai Children learn English skills

[hr]

Want to Find out More? Book a 15 Minute Appointment or Ask us Questions

[one_half]

download_pdf

Volunteer Visa and Work Permit Guide

Book an appointment with Chiang Mai Buddy

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm

Phone

Thai 091-068-8112

Office Location
39 Siri Mangkalajarn, Suthep, Chiang Mai
39 ศิริมังคลาจารย์ ต.สุเทพ อ.เมือง จ.เชียงใหม่
(copy this for the Tuk Tuk or Taxi Driver)
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How to get Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai
How to get Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai cmbadmin

How to get Residency Certificate in Chiang Mai

A residence certificate is a document made by immigration to certify where a foreigner lives. You can obtain this from your Embassy (if located in Chiang Mai, Bangkok or a larger city with a consulate)  but the cost is much higher (1700 Baht).  The immigration satellite office is supposed to issue these for free (and will do but it can take 2-8 weeks) or for a gift donation of 500 Baht it will be available the next day.

Getting your Residency Certificate is a straight forward and simply process.  The office is located about 10 kilometers outside of town and you have to go there twice. Once to drop off your application and the next day to collect it.

A Residency Certificate is good for 30 days after the date of it’s issue

The Immigration Satellite office, is located off the Super Hwy across from the Promenada Mall. Do NOT go to the Immigration office near the airport – they no longer process residency certificates. As of this time, the Immigration Department have not advised Google Maps of their location.  The exact location is listed on the map as the ‘Namber one garage’

Location of the Chiang Mai Immigration Department: Residency Certificates

The Building looks like this
Chiang Mai Residency Certificate Immigration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will need to take:

1. Two (2) Color Photo’s 1.5 in x 2.36 in (4 cm x 6 cm)
2. Copy of Passport (1st Page; VISA Page; TM6). Bring your original Passport also.
3. Proof of Residence (Rental Contract or Yellow Residency Book or Letter from your Landlord)

Photocopiers and Photographs can be obtained at the office, as can the Thai Residency Certificate Form.  But it is better to be prepared and have these done.

Once you arrive you will take your completed documents to room 4, and will usually be asked if you want this the next day which will require a ‘gift fee’ of 500 baht.  While requesting this fee is illegal – just smile and hand over the money.  You will be told to come back the next day after 1pm.

If you are in no hurry for your certificate – the look on the Staff’s face when you tell them you will wait 2 (or 3 or 4 weeks) is priceless.  But when all said and done, you usually need your residency certificate in a hurry – so you pay the fine.

 
Want Help Getting Your Residency Certificate?

Chiang Mai Buddy will head down to the Residency Office (Twice) to get this application processed for you.

2000 BHT

 

The Next Day The next day after lunch (opens at 1pm) you want to go to the window at room 2 and show them your receipt and/or tell them your name.  Be patient and polite, you may see your application photograph being passed a few times as the staff look.  If you feel a little bit confident with your Thai language you can say “Ning Nai Krap/Ka” which means “There it is”.

Do not lean over the window or enter the room unless you are invited to do so.  If you see your photograph on the file and the immigration staff have gone past it – DO NOT put your hand in and point.  Thai manners are essential here, you will always smile and laugh and everything is your fault. – even them not finding what is plainly obvious to you

Collecting your residency certificate is a relativity easy process (the 2nd or 3rd time you do it). The first time like any Thai government department – it can be confusing.  If you do not speak Thai, try and take a Thai friend along with you.
[hr]
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Thai Massage Chiang Mai (in your Home)
Thai Massage Chiang Mai (in your Home) cmbadmin

Thai Massage Chiang Mai: Get a Outcall Spa Quality Traditional Thai Massage in your Home

Chiang Mai Thai Massage Callout Service

Now you can get a Spa quality Thai Massage in your own home with the Spa Thai Massage Callout Service from Chiang Mai Buddy. Khun Orr, is a highly qualified and experienced masseuse in multiply Spa, Relaxation and Treatment Massage methods.  Get the convenience of a quality Thai massage in your own home in the central Chiang Mai area.

Get a Spa Quality Thai Massage in your own home!
Invigorating … Relaxing … Healing … Beautifying


What is a Thai Massage?

Traditional Thai massage does not use no oils or lotions. The person receiving the massage remains clothed during a treatment, which lasts between one and two hours. There is constant body contact between the giver and receiver, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked.

The person getting the massage usually wears loose, comfortable clothing and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. While it is common now in Tourist areas of Thailand to have shop fronts with many customers at a time, the true ancient style of the massage requires that the massage be performed solo with just the giver and receiver. The receiver will be positioned in a variety of yoga type positions during the massage, and deep static and rhythmic pressure is applied using many parts of the body.

The massage follows designated patterns of flow and movement, following lines (“sen”) in the body. The massage therapist will position the body of the person into beneficial poses and positions using their legs and feet.  In other positions, hands fix the body, while the feet do the massaging. A Thai massage session typically includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body. This may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking knuckles, walking on the recipient’s back, and moving the recipient’s body into many different positions. There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage, which the giver will adjust to fit the receiver.

Thai massage focuses on 10 energy points in the body, known as sen, though there are over 70,000 recorded sen in all. It separates itself from other types of massage in that their is a spiritual aspect involved, and a properly trained masseuse will conduct a short prayer before commencing in order to focus their energy on the task. Aspects of yoga are incorporated in the massage, bending and twisting the torso to ‘reset’ the muscular-skeletal position. The procedure is a slow and patient one, with most attention given to areas that are most muscular, such as the thighs. There aren’t many brutal movements in this form.

The most active tool in a masseuse’s arsenal is the thumb, however; as with the fingers, there is indirect pressure applied and the ball of the digit is used rather than the tip. A correctly trained Thai massage practitioner will avoid sensitive areas such as the knees. If you have ailments or chronic problems sensitive to body pressure, you are advised to receive your massage from a professional spa, where the masseuse will usually quiz you beforehand so as to avoid anything painful and harmful. It’s also not advised to go for a massage directly after eating. (Acknowledgement: Some sentences taken from onestopchiangmai.com)

Meet the Therapist’s

Thai Massage Call Out

Khun Orr: Qualified and Experienced Massage Expert

Khun Orr, is a Spa Massage veteran, qualified and skilled in a wide range of relaxation, traditional Thai and therapeutic massage techniques. She provides years of expertise and a strong and powerful massage in the comfort of your own home.  No need to go to a spa and wait – you arrange the time and she will come to you.

This is a quality Thai Massage, not a 200 baht tourist experience from a pretty little thing you would find along a market street with no training, strength or skill.  A genuine Thai Massage from a gifted therapist available as a call out service in your own home of office.

Thai Massage Call Out NanaKhun Nana, is a Spa Massage specializing in Traditional Thai Massage.  Also well trained and qualified, Nana has been providing Thai Massage in it’s various forms for over 5 years.  In addition her comprehension of English enables you to communicate with her and get treatments especially designed for your immediate needs.

No need to go to a spa and wait – you arrange the time and she will come to you.

This is a quality Thai Massage, not a 200 baht tourist experience from a pretty little thing you would find along a market street with no training, strength or skill.  A genuine Thai Massage from a gifted therapist available as a call out service in your own home of office.

 

[hr]

Types of Thai Massage Available

Traditional Thai Massage Chiang MaiTraditional Thai Massage

Time: 1 hour
Cost: 350 Baht

The Traditional Thai Massage uses hands and the masseuses’ own body to apply force, stretches and pressure on more than 100 parts of the body.

While the stretching and pressure can cause a little discomfort at first when applied to tense muscles, afterwards you feel amazingly relaxed, with the body tissues increased flexibility your blood circulation and over all energy levels increase.

Traditional Thai Foot Massage Chiang MaiTraditional Thai Foot Massage

Time: 1 hour
Cost: 350 Baht

The Traditional Thai Foot Massage uses Reflexology and works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of the feet.

A combination of a vigorous foot massage and the use of wooden pins to apply pressure into the acupressure points located in the feet. The Thai Foot Massage does remarkable things for tired and sore feet, increasing stimulation of the body (some say producing a detoxing effect) but leaves you feeling relaxed and feeling healthy.

Thai Head Back Sholders Massage Chiang MaiHead Back & Shoulders Thai Massage

Time: 1 hour
Cost: 400 Baht

The Thai Head Back and Shoulders is a vigorous massage around the back and Shoulders designed to loosen tense muscles and make them submit into relaxation.  Followed by a soothing face and head massage.

This massage requires much more physical energy and work from the therapist and is guaranteed to leave you feeling like a relaxed mellow blob of your former self.

[hr]

Contact Us about your Massage

[hr]
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How to do Thai Visa run to Vientiane Laos
How to do Thai Visa run to Vientiane Laos cmbadmin

How to do: Thai Visa run to Vientiane, Laos

Step by step instructions, photos and the costs involved to get a Visa from the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, Laos

Going to Vientiane in Laos is by far and away the most common Visa Run used by people wishing to extend their stay in Thailand. This article will deal mostly with folks wanting to do this trip from Chiang Mai, but equally as easy is flying from Bangkok direct to Vientiane.

After nearly 20 ‘how to’ blog posts at Chiang Mai Buddy, this is the first time I am going to interject my personal opinion – rather than attempt to just give the facts.  If you are an older person, or over 6 foot, or find it difficult to sleep in minivans or seated up-right … or unless you are absolutely broke and on a budget – TAKE A PLANE!  I have done this Visa Run 2 times now over the last few years using a van service and each time was an uncomfortable ride with no sleep.  The advantage of using Aya Service to do this trip is that they held your hand all the way to the Thai Embassy.  After July 2015 this will no longer be the case.  Your Minivan ride will be from one Aya depot to another.

[hr]Visa Run to Vientiane, Laos in a Nutshell

In a Nutshell

bullet-greenGet to the Town of Nong Khai then to the Boarder
bullet-green1st Stop: Depart Thailand (Free)
bullet-green 2nd Stop: Get your Laos Visa (US$30-35)
bullet-green3rd Stop: Thai Embassy (8.30am-12.00pm)
bullet-greenGo and find your Accommodation in Vientiane
bullet-greenNext day after 1.30 Get Visa from Embassy
bullet-greenTake bus back to Nong Khai
bullet-greenLeave Laos (15,000 Kip at Boarder)
bullet-greenEnter Thailand (Free)
bullet-greenGet back home!

[hr]

1: Get Yourself to Nong Khai

A visa run from Chiang Mai or Bangkok, Thailand to Vientiane, Laos can be done via minivan (visa run service) bus and/or airplane.  It is approximately 700 km to the Thai border town of Nong Khai from both these cities, and overland these trips are done overnight (to arrive when the Embassy is open during the morning to accept applications).

Visa run services usually leave about 7pm and arrive at their depot the next morning at 5.30am to 6am.  Bus services traditionally take an entire night of travel (12 hours), and Flights take about an hour or so.  If flying from Bangkok you arrive directly at Vientiane Airport, and if flying from Chiang Mai you land at Undon Thani and take an hour bus trip to Nong Khai.

Check and Book Tickets via Train, Bus and Plane to Nong Khai
 You can also book Aya Services Minivan whose office is located just a 5 minute walk to the Boarder crossing and Immigration.  If you don’t know this you might be tempted to pay for a Tuk Tuk but it is an easy enough walk.  Aya will provide you with a Laos Visa application (requiring one passport photo) and take you to the first stop off point. Visa Run by Air Flying will is about twice as much as taking a bus, but is over in one hour and allows you to arrive fresh and ready.  Different airlines offer different times and flying from Chiang Mai you can only go to Nong Khai. Flights from Bangkok go straight to Vientiane. NOTE: If you fly to Bangkok first (or flying from Bangkok) then you get your customs and entry done at the airport and can skip to point 4 Typically Nok Airways have a great deal on airfare, and you fly from Chiang Mai’s CNX airport to Udon Thani’s UTH airport in about an hour. From there you take a ride to Nong Khai, cross the border and catch another songthaew into Vientiane which is another 30 minutes. If you do not use Aya services you can download your Laos Visa on Arrival Form from us here at Chiang Mai Buddy

Aya Services at Nong Khai

Waiting for the Freedom Bridge to open at Aya Services in Nong Khai

2: Getting to the Immigration Checkpoints

The Nong Khai Customs and Boarder Post is right at the beginning of your trip.  On the right hand side is your exit point from Thailand.  This consists of a few booths with Immigration Officers who will inspect your departure card and stamp you out of Thailand.  Then you cross the road to the Lao Visa point to apply for and get your Visa.

Laos immigration

The Laos Immigration Windows – where you get your Visa to Enter Laos

At the Laos side you will need:
bullet-greenPassport
bullet-greenOne Passport Photo
bullet-greenVisa Application Form for Laos (Here)
bullet-greenUS$30-35 ( Baht is accepted)

Lao Visa Exemption

Lao visas are not required for citizens of many countries. The following countries will have to apply for a Visa before getting to the Immigration Checkpoint.

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Algeria
  3. Bangladesh
  4. Burundi
  5. Cameroon
  6. Congo
  7. Cote d’Ivoire
  8. Ghana
  9. Guinea
  10. Guinea Bissau
  11. Jordan
  12. Lesotho
  13. Liberia
  14. Libya ( Libyan Arab Jamahiriya )
  15. Mozambique
  1. Nauru
  2. Niger
  3. Nigeria
  4. Pakistan
  5. Senegal
  6. Sierra Leone
  7. Sri Lanka
  8. Suriname
  9. Syria ( Syrian Arab republic)
  10. Swaziland
  11. Tonga
  12. Turkey
  13. Zambia
  14. Zimbabwe

Lao Visa Costs

Below is a list of visa fee for different countries. If your country is not on the list, it probably costs you $US30 to get the visa or you’re not eligible for getting Laos visa on arrival.

Country Price (US Dollar)
Australia 30
Canada 42
China 20
India 40
Sweden 31
USA 35
UK 35
Others 30

 

Procedure to Get Visa on Arrival at Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge

It’s pretty easy to get the Lao visa on arrival at the Friendship bridge.  Windows are numbered so just go in sequential order 1-2-3.

Step 1: Get Visa application form at window #1, and fill it out. (although if you are reading this you will have downloaded the form and have it ready)

Step 2: Return the completed form with 1 or 2 passport type photos and visa fee, plus over time if you arrive out side working hours, on weekend or Lao public holidays, to the official at window #1 or window #2 if it is active, and wait to be called.

Step 3: When you’re called, collect your passport with the visa, at window #3 around the corner. Make sure you KEEP your departure sheet for exiting Laos.

This will take 10-15 minutes.  If you go before opening hours (which most tours will do) there is an extra $1 fee for making the staff start working early.

3: Getting to the Thai Embassy and Applying for your Visa

Once you have your Visa you walk 50 meters towards the Laos entry point, show your Passport and Visa to the Immigration staff and walk out to the chaos of drivers trying to get your fare into town.

If you are using Aya Services they provide a ride. You will as a group be guided along together and put into a seated truck.  If you are doing it on your own, you will negotiate with the driver or taxi to take you into Vientiane and the Thai Embassy.  Almost everybody crossing into Laos is heading to the Thai Embassy so don’t worry too much about how to get there.  Everybody knows.

Procedure to Get Thai Visa at the Thai Embassy in Vientiane

The Vientiane Royal Thai Embassy (Consular) location is at:

No.15 Ban Ponesinuan, Bourichane Road, Vientiane Capital
(Map)

Consular Section
Monday to Friday
08.30 hrs.–12.00 hrs. Application for Visa
13.00 hrs.–15.00 hrs. Distribution of Passports

Weekly Holiday
Saturday – Sunday

Warning:  In the last 6 months Immigration have tightened up.  As politically incorrect as it is to say, many dark or black skinned people (from certain countries I assume not including United States or the G7) and people dressed in scruffy attire are being denied. Basically Spiritual travelers and Black people are going to have a more difficult time.

Having said this, I myself went to Vientiane on 1st July 2015 and did not see any discrimination and a few dreadlock baggy pant lip pierced people also applying and getting their Visa’s.

Step 1: When you arrive line up with the 50-200 other people in the cue.  I have been on a Monday (busy) and a Tuesday (not busy).  The doors will open and on the busy days you are given a number.  On the non busy days you will line up at the document checking table.

Step 2: Your application and Documents will be checked.  Currently the Thai Embassy website for Vientiane is a mess, and the Visa Application form available on their site is wrong.  The new form is here.  You will need …


bullet-greenPassport (2 copies of front page)
bullet-green2 Passport Photo‘s (Take extra just in case)
bullet-greenVisa Application Form (Here)
bullet-greenFee 1000-2000 Baht (depending on what Visa you are applying for

Step 3: When your documents are checked you will be given a number.  You sit and wait until that number is called.

Step 4: When your number is called you approach the window and hand over your documents.  Your bill will be stapled to the 2nd copy of your passport.

Step 5: Go inside the building to the cashier and pay – you are all done

Now head into Vientiane and find your Accommodation

4: Getting your processed Visa back

The Thai Embassy open for document retrieval at from 1-3pm.  Once you get yourself back to the Embassy (it is a 30 minute slow stroll from where most people stay) or about 100-130 baht for a Tuk Tuk.

Thai Embassy Laos

Wait until your number is called and pick up your Passport with Visa

Step 1: You will on your receipt have your number allocated.  Once the Embassy opens, follow the crowd and go and take a seat.  Depending on the day you will either pick up your passport at the window outside or be sent into the Building where you paid.

Step 2: Get your passport and head back across the boarder 🙂  Easy Peasy

5: Getting Back to Thailand

If you are flying via Bangkok, you just need to get to the airport and do the normal process with Customs and Immigration at the Airports.  If you are taking the bus, minivan service or flying from Udon Thani then you need to get back across the Freedom Bridge.

The easiest and cheapest way is to take the International Bus service.  From the Embassy the Bus terminal is a 10 minute walk or an negotiated taxi ride.  When I did it, we convinced a few people to take this method and shared a Taxi for 40 baht per person.  The only reason you should not use this method is if you want to buy Duty Free at Laos.  The bus is a quick and easy point to point trip.

Bus Terminal Laos

Get yourself to the Market Bus Terminal and get the 15,000 Kip International Trip

Step 1: Get yourself to the Market Bus Terminal and buy the 10,000 Kip (42 Baht) Ticket from Vientiane to Nong Khai.  The Bus runs every 30 minute to hour (depending on the time of day) and gets you right across the Freedom Bridge stopping off at both Immigration check points.

Laos Market Bus Terminal

Buying your Ticket on the Bus ride to Nong Khai

Step 2: The Bus will pull up to the Laos Customs and Immigration point. After 4pm Laos Immigration will want you to purchase a exit Ticket (12,000 Kip) which is a card you use to go through the barrier after getting your exit stamp. Go through the Laos Immigration Stand, then through the barrier and back on to the Bus.

Laos Checkpoint

Paying to Exit Laos (12,000 Kip)

Step 3: Next Stop the Thai Immigration Boarder.  You will get off the Bus and fill in your new arrival and departure cards and go through the Thai Immigration and Customs point.

Laos to Nong Khai

Step 4: Congratulations you are now back in Thailand.  If you are using Aya services you can walk back in 10 minutes or pay 20-100 baht (depending on your negotiation skills and time of day) to get back to Aya and ready for your trip back to Chiang Mai. If you are heading on to Udon Thani to the Airport or Bus ride back to Chiang Mai, then get back on the bus which will take you to the Bus Station.

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Thai driving license exam test questions
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Thai Driving License Exam Test Questions
Thai Driving License Exam Test Questions 538 218 cmbadmin

The following is an example of several of the Thai Driving License Exam Test Questions for you to look at and learn the answers for, when applying to get your Drivers License in Thailand.

The correct answers are highlighted.  Image quality is not great – but you should be able to read the questions

You may also be interested in the How to Get your Thai Driving License article

You may also be interested in an English version of the Thai Traffic Laws (provided at www.thailaws.com)

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Thai Driving License Exam Test Questions: Exam One

 

thai driving test exam questions 2thai driving test exam questions 2.5

Continue to Next page for 30 more questions.

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