I entered Thailand on Jan 29. I want to extend 30 days also and stay until the end of April. I would like to do a 10 day trip outside of LOS before that. Can I get a re-entry permit for 1000 baht when I extend for 30 days at immigration? I only see info online about getting re-entries for work and education visas.

Also, if I can do this, does the clock 'stop running' on my visa while I am outside of Thailand? If I'm gone 10 days, does this mean I can stay until about May 7?

Yes, you can get a re-entry permit on a Tourist Visa, do it after you have made your extension.

But it may not be worth it because ...

No, it does not stop the clock, it simply protects your existing permission to stay. When you return you will be stamped to the same date you had when you left.

As above.

depending on the exact dates, it might make more sense to not extend the tourist visa but rather come back on visa-exempt entry of one month which can be extended for one additional month. 2 months of current visa 10 days out then 2 more months.

Assuming you have not made a lot of visa exempt entries already in the recent past, in which case may run into some issues. And also assuming you will return by air.

Yes you can but a Re Entry Permit does not add time. It just protects your original permission to stay.

BTW you would get 30 days visa exempt entry if you enter Thailand by air or by land.

Yes you can, but if you qualify for visa exempt entry of 15/30 days there is not much point as a re-entry permit doesn't stop the clock, visa exempt entries are free and will probably give you a longer stay.

• Returning by air gets you a new 30 day stay and by land you would also get 30 days if from a G7 country (15 from others).
• A new 15/30 visa exempt entry can also be extended by 30 days if needed.

It would only make sense if you've had a lot of visa exempt entries and want/need to avoid more, or you're returning by land and only qualify for a 15 day visa exempt entry and would have more than 15 days left of your 30 day extension.

A new 15/30 day visa exempt entry, plus a 30 day extension if needed, would see you through to April/May.