You will likely get denied, but if you pay an agent 4k baht, you will get in from priority lane for 60 days, but won't be able to extend 30 days. You can technically enter unlimited times with agents (fast track, VIP). This doesn't change.
Almost everywhere in Thailand is friendly, so that's not the issue. Jomtien, and even more so Pattaya, have Freelancers hookers in the streets. A lot of sexpats. Ofc, you'll know where not to go, but the exposure will never be 0. I find Jomtien beach to be quite dirty overall and overcrowded. Imo, you would be better of in a city where people actually retire there with families like Hua Hin with higher quality of other foreigners. Phuket is too expensive. Chiang Mai would be even better but no beach. People go to Pattaya went they don't know any other options to start, but it's rarely their end destination. For your situation, you don't want an overcrowded area imo.
A fixer can do it at the Thai border for 9k baht. They go with you in Laos, you go to hotel, and a few days later she come back with the visa in your passport.
TVC is the most expensive visa agent in Thailand. But they are the most helpful so it's like an elite service in a way. It's 60k+ because it's his first year. Next year, it will be much cheaper. They have a reduced price right now for Non-O based on marriage (55k for 15 months, done in Buriram). They were charging 80k, a few months ago (35k+45k). 55k is still the most expensive around but TVC are top notch.