How can I maximize my METV which expires on December 4th before a trip to the US?

this is what I'd suggest. Just before Dec 4 (the "enter before" date on the visa itself) do a border-bounce <- stamp outta thailand, stamp in&out of another country, then back into thailand to get another 60 days. That'd take you to about the beginning of Feb.

Then immediately go to the immigration office and apply for a 30 day extension for 1900baht which would take you into March AND buy a single re-entry permit for 1000baht, which keeps that extension stamp 'alive' when you leave on the 10th of Dec.

That way when you come back you'd be stamped in at least until the beginning of March.

Umm he doesn't need to purchase a single re-entry permit...his METV allows unlimited entry until 4 December

well, no need to do anything really, you have unlimited entries, so as long as you enter Thailand before January 4 or so, you will still be awarded 60 days, extendable with 30 days. Edit: oeps miscalculation on my part, your use before date would be 2-12 not 4-1-2018, in this case, enter before 2-12 and get a re-entry permit