Option 1 get a single entry tourist visa from Thai embassy / consulate in uk giving you 60 days and a 30 day extention inside Thailand (at immigration dept) for a total of 90 days.
Option 2 arrive on a visa exempt entry, giving you 30 days, again extend this by 30days at Thai immigration inside Thailand, then do an out/in 'border bounce' re-entering Thailand on another visa exempt entry for a total of 90 days.
If as you say you're on standby and will be running to the gate, its probably advisable to go to CW immigration (or your local immi office) before your departure date.
Are you a ) using the setv to reenter from Laos OR b ) using visa exempt entry and so keeping the setv for when you return from UK.
If a ) you'll need a reentry permit for UK trip
If b ) the visa will be valid for use for 90days from issue and no reentry permit req'd
Option b ) relies on being able to enter Thailand on a visa exempt entry - (although you'll have a valid setv in the passport just not using it / saving it for return from UK)