T10000

So, I'm aware that this visa lasts 180 days before I need to do something. I was thinking of going on a nice little weekend excursion just before the first 180 days are up. However, the Thai immigration site mentions extending it at immigration and then leaving the country before the first year is up. It doesn't say anything about leaving the country and re-entering during the first 180 days as an option. Can I do this INSTEAD OF extending at Immigration? Or do I need to follow the specific procedure of extending within 180 days at immigration and then leaving and reentering within 360 days? I don't want to leave the country only to find I was meant to extend it before doing this or I still need to go to immigration after.

Can anyone confirm that non-Laos residents / citizens on a tourist visa can apply for the DTV at the Embassy in Vientiane? How long does it take? Have there been any success stories yet, or any issues encountered? I'm about to go there to apply, really just hoping have the documents they require as I've been unable to find much feedback of personal experiences, just the info on their website. I have bank statements, employment contract of a foreign company, and proof of where I'm staying in Thailand. Basically everything listed as a requirement on the official site of the Thai Embassy in Vientiane.