Ok, I am in Thailand on the second half of my double tv I got in Australia ... With the 30 day extension of this one I go to the start of August .... I want to get another double , but also need to go to the Maldives for Xmas and new year.... If I leave to Laos:kl in august etc to get a double tv it will only have a 3 month validity ???? So aug/sep/oct leave then nov/ 1/2dec then I loose the last month when I leave at Xmas.... If I went via Sri Lanka would I be able to get a third double tv to activate when I return in jan?? I'm planning to study Thai after that...any advice welcome

Yes an two entry visa in local area will have 3 months from date of issue to enter both times. You can obtain a re-entry permit to permit travel and return for current permitted to stay if you would return prior to your stamped permitted to stay and then could do noral extension but not sure you would be back in time (depending on your vacation period).

Sri Lanka considered local?