Other Route Options
Does Tiger Airlines still fly Udon Thani - Singapore? Sounds a long way to go but is in fact closer than Phuket. Also, many taxi/mini bus drivers are from the NE and so the fare tends to be much cheaper...5k-7k has been quoted in last last year for the taxi trip. Hotel accommodation isn't Bangkok standard but still good and 800 Baht can get you a double, 1700 baht a suite...3-4* standard.
Just a thought for those needing to get away soonest.
JH