I agree with Tod and he’s the expert on these matters.

To share my experience for the past several years I would spend 6-7 months at a time in Thailand.

Come in visa exempt and then extend. Go to Laos for one night for SETV, then extend. Repeat trip to Laos for SETV, extend again if necessary. (I sure miss having the old double-entry.)

Never had an issue. Nary an eye or explanation. Never showed funds or onward tickets. Came to Thailand on one-way air tickets.

Your itinerary is perfectly acceptable and normal. It is that of a tourist to SE Asia. I’ve done the SE touring over the years and fell in love with Thailand which is why I did what I’d done.

To answer your second question you need to be out of Thailand to apply for a tourist visa.

Sent you a message Tod. Thanks for all the info.

Thank you very much. I wish I could award you the Facebook equivalent of Reddit Gold.

Heard rumors of being turned back without exiting if not in possession of a multi entry visa. Wanted to hear this. Thanks.