Can I attempt immigration in Thailand during a layover with a Tourist Visa if I'm denied entry?

Post for a friend.

I have a US passport with a year of TVs. I'm currently in Yangon, Burma and was planning to enter Thailand via border with new TV, but recent flooding has suspended bus service and it's unclear how long it will take to resume so it seems I may have to fly. I've read many reports of immigration denying entry to TV holders and the ensuing shenanigans around arranging the denial flight and detention room; my sense is that the odds are low (but not zero) that I'll be allowed in via airport.

I noticed that there's a Yangon flight to Vientiane with a 2 hour layover in DMK. My plan is to attempt immigration during the layover, skipping the rest of the flight. If denied, it seems I shouldn't have to deal with detention or being forced to book a flight back to Burma because I can just get on the connecting flight (and eventually reenter from border).

My question is: will attempting immigration during a layover with a TV effect my chances of being accepted in? I know it's common for people to pass through immigration for sightseeing but I'm not sure if the TV will cause any problems in this oddity of having a transit flight. If there's anything wrong with this plan, I'd appreciate if you could point it out. (Booking separate flights last minute and it being unknown if I'll be sent back to Burma or have a choice destination is much more expensive than booking this way.)

Thanks!