you know that it's not legal and that it's all about money to keep the thai immigration happy, as for travel I've been to more country's than you have ever seen
as I have lived in Thailand for over 10 years I think I know, you may not happy with my reply but it's fine so you can wait until the new reply to the questions
Please can you tell us the reason why you need to take your wife with you, as your mean reason for you to go back to the usa to see a family member that is sick, are you planning to stay in the usa for longer than a few weeks