I have a Lao boyfriend, does that count ? We went to the go-go bars a few times, just to see the show. Can't be bothered nowadays, as drinking prices are simply not what I am prepared to pay.

You are now moving to Vientiane ? Wow much better idea then Chiang Mai. You will have to sort out the visa though, and remember doing a monthly visa run into Thailand might not be feasible, because you are now limited to only two overland exempt stamps in a calender year. Having said that, the Lao most likely still allow you to purchase a 30 day visa each time, so it might actually work, you'll have a bunch of entry refused stamps from Thailand this way