My family and I (two adults, five kids) are USA passport holders and will be in Thailand for 100 days from Nov 3 to Feb 9. We're planning to fly to Laos for a 4-day trip somewhere in the middle, though I have not booked tickets to Laos. I was thinking to get a Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV), but I'm considering options since the METV costs $200 x 7 people = $1,400.
Can I arrive on a 45 day Visa Exemption, extend by 30 days for 1,900 baht each, then fly to Laos for 4 days, and then fly back to Thailand and get another 45 day Visa Exemption? That would make my total cost only $350 instead of $1,400. Does that work?
Also, how should I show proof of onward travel?