Use the free 30 day visa exemption since you aren't staying in Thailand longer than 30 days per visit. You can't apply for a multiple entry visa unless you go back to your home country. But you don't even need to apply for a tourist visa because your plans you are leaving Thailand less than 30 days at a time.
No mentions of someone having too many tourist visas in a passport or proof of onward travel, main thing is as long as they can show proof of adequate funds and not being involved in any criminal activities.
If you're refused entry you can book a flight to Vientiane, Laos and then enter Thailand through Laos-Nong Khai Border easily, then buy a cheap 500 baht flight from Udon Thani-Bangkok you'll be on a domestic flight, so no need to pass through airport immigration.
It's better if you exchange Thai Baht to HK before you go because the rate for Thai Baht is bad at the airport. Or just exchange a little bit enough to get you to the city, and you will find the best rate at Chungking Mansion
You can pay for a re-entry permit at the airport and come back on the same visa... But depending on how many days you have left and how much longer you plan stay in Thailand, it is usually better if you just bought a new tourist visa in Bali and came back with a fresh new 60 days.
they should put this sign up in more places. people who tip just make the employees expect tip from everyone and then complain if someone just gave 20b instead of 100b like most foreigners do
Depends on how long you're going home for. I wouldn't do re-entry permits on SETV because you can just get a new one for a fresh new 60 days when you come back for the same price. Instead of paying 1000฿ to just have a few day (now you have just 30 days left) so you'll be limited when you return and you need to leave again and get a new one anyways. If you only plan on staying 30 days and traveling again take advantage of the free 30 day visa exemption stamp and get the SETV. If staying in Thailand more than 30 days. Plan your trips around 60-90 days if on a SETV.