Hi, I will be traveling from the USA to BKK, if i get a 30 day visa when i arrive, can i extend that for another 30 days ? is it possible to leave Thailand before my first 30 days are up and get a tourist 60 day visa while in another country and then return to Thailand? i want to have the possibility to spend 6-8 weeks in Thailand on this trip, i do not have the time to get a Visa before i get there. Many thanks

Yes and yes.

Can extend the original 30 another 30 while here. Can also go to Laos or Malaysia to get a single entry tourist visa which would be good for 60 days, which then also, can be extended another 30.

Yes and yes.

Can extend the original 30 another 30 while here. Can also go to Laos or Malaysia to get a single entry tourist visa which would be good for 60 days, which then also, can be extended another 30.

Many Thanks, happy new year to you

But be aware that the airline can refuse you to board the plane without ticket out of Thailand within 30 days or a proper visa.

You can enter using visa exempt entry, extend the stay by 30 days if needed, and will have no problem getting a single entry tourist visa from a neighbouring embassy/consulate. However, as PoorSucker has already said your plans may be messed up by the airline. If you want to travel without a visa, and the airline insist on an onward flight, you can buy a cheap ticket anywhere out of Thailand dated within 30 days. It doesn't need to be a return to the US.