Actually Bali, being a consulate, the experience will be much smoother. I.e. you are less likely to encounter difficulties. If you had to choose between Jakarta and Bali, I would advise Bali.
Andy Steele you can also get one single reentry permit while on the original 60 days, then once you left Thailand and came back you extend for 30 days, then get another single reentry permit while on the extension. This is actually the situation I am in right now.
Once you passed the border, you can share a van or a songtaew with others to Vientiane. Generally songtaew is 50 baht per person, van 100 baht. You can also ask them to drop you wherever you want in Vientiane.
You can apply for a tourist visa in Vientiane for example, unless your nationality is from the following restricted countries, in which case you can only apply in your home country.
you should also not confuse permission of stay with visa validity and exit Thailand before your current 90 day permission of stay ends, otherwise you would go on overstay. Unless that date is already past March 10th. What does it say on your current stamp. Admitted until when?
