I do not work in phuket , i work on koh tao , was just a thought to go to laos to see friends and do visa same time , wp is longtime and will be renewed prior to the visa trip
Be aware that in thailand a visa is no garanty at all , the officer at the immigration point can always give you a hard time if he thinks to do do , and they have the authority over the visa and entry
I do not have that problem , as i work so i have my visa , i can move freely in and out of thailand when ever i want , 1 visa trip per year , and 3 border runs , i pay tax , and everyone is happy and leaves me alone since about 15 years now , visa cost in total about 60 000 thb