Thank you for your reply. I have to return to the US soon anyway. I think I'll just go through the application process there. The Thai Immigration website states "or overseas Embassy or Councilate" but no official here is willing to confirm that...
Also yes, I just made my Lao border run on the 24th. My 30 day extension was valid until the 28th, but my new 30 day stamp began on the 24th and is valid until March 24th. No questions asked, easy.