Married couple from USA coming to Thailand Nov 15. Plan to get an e-visa (single entry tourist visa) to stay 60 days and then extend the 30 days. Plan to then visit some friends in Vietnam and also get another single entry tourist visa there to stay until we leave end of April back to US. (5 months 5 days from entry to return flight back to US.)

How far in advance should we apply for the e-visa? It is only 2 months now, so should I hop on it this week or do I have a few more weeks I can wait?

Will I need to have proof of a flight out like to Vietnam when I apply or will by round trip ticket back to US be enough?

(It’s been 2 & 1/2 years since we were last in Thailand and had done this same thing but went to Malaysia for tourist visa just before the pandemic)

(Ideally I would of liked to have the multi-entry but I’m not completely sure on the financial requirements and if we would even meet it for the 6months before. Or would just rather spend that fee money ($200?) on a trip to our friends and take a few day for the tourist visa at Thai consulate there. I know we would have to leave Thailand with a multi-entry at 60days as well but we could make a shorter trip just south a few hours to Malaysia again. )

Also Any tips or suggestions on traveling and visa run to Vietnam would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance for all the help!