@Paul ***********
May I suggest you contact the Thai Consulate in Canberra Australia and APPLY for the METV multiple entry tourist visa.
They have in the past issued the METV to Western nation passport holders... and recently replied in an email inquiry that they will issue the METV as before.
As you are American, it's likely you could obtain the METV from the Canberra Australia Thai Consulate.
(They are the ONLY known Thai Embassy or Consulate outside of your home country to issue the METV to tourists visiting Australia)