could you just not use your own logic to work out a budget to have your holiday ... it's obviously the reason the thai government have stipulated in the past what you need , albeit way too much ... use your head !!!
singapore airlines , British airways are just 2 that fly commercial out of oz .. I believe also Vietnam airlines and China air also ....so there are many options ...you do not need to catch repat flights ..
A mate flies back this week ...pretty sure he has been given the ok to walk about the airport , he's in transit so if your asking wether he can go into the city ....not sure ...