What is different ? Lao like to go Shopping, working in Thailand. But, Thai like to go and works in the Farm, Restaurant in USA, Israel, Portugal and other European countries.
I would agree with you if this was an 80. But, this is 21 century and I think Laos is more freedom than Thailand of Today.
Yes Laos is running by socialist party but they're more relax than 75.
As matter of fact, Thailand as been run by Military ever since 1932. if they don't like the government they coup ande coup and coup over and over, and still to come and censor almost everything, control every social networking. some lao inside the country might not know it but we as outside look at you guys is a joke.