Renewal of Reitrement Visa

[StevePIraq]

I hope someone can help with this query.
I am on a retirement visa which expires early September however I will be taking a job overseas and start before September.
Questions
1. Can I renew my retirement visa before it expires and just tell immigration I am going on vacation.
2. If they renew and I get multiple entry what could be the implication on me being out of the country for most of the year with only occassional visits back. I could also have difficulty being back when the next visa needs renewal.

I realize I can let my Retirement visa lapse and just come back on tourist visas while I work overseas but then I will have to get another Non Imm O in a few years and this means going back to the UK which I do not wish to do. I will also lose my Thai driving licence if lose my Retirement visa.

Many thanks in advance

[lomuamart]

First off, I assume that you mean you have an annual extension to a Non Imm visa based on retirement. There is actually no such thing as a "retirement visa" other than a Non Imm OA which is long-stay and commonly referred to as a retirement visa.
You can extend again for another year within the last 30 days of your current permitted to stay stamp expiring so that hopefully will work out for you, timing wise.
As long as you're not working here in Thailand, then just say that you'll be in and out of the country periodically during the year. All Imm are going to be interested in is your age and financial status and that you get the multi re-entry permit for 3,800 THB before you leave for the first time. I'm sure you'll be fine.
You don't have to go back to the UK to get a Non Imm O visa (you would have to for the long-stay OA). If you're over 50, which you must already be, then any neighbouring Thai Embassy or consulate will give you a single-entry Non O on the basis of your age. You might even be able to a multi-entry Non O at the right place and with proof of funds - ie currently the equivalent of 100,000 THB in any bank account from KL.
If you let the extension lapse then you'll need to start again but it shouldn't be too arduous. You'll lose any time on back-to-back extensions you already have if you want to apply for Permanent Residency in the future but that's a whole different ball game.
I'm not sure what'll happen to your driving licence.

[kalbow]

Hi Steve

Shouldn't be a problem I've been working out of the country for nearly two years whilst still maintaining my Retirement Visa - renewed once last Sept. I don't think they worry too much. I should point out I return about once every two months but I don't think it would make a difference if it was longer.

I thought I would have a problem with the 90 day thing initially but that wasn't an issue either - I think you have to actually be in Thailand for a total of 90 days.

Cheers
Kalbow

[StevePIraq]

Damn I forgot all about the 90 day visit to Immigration, anyone know if they will relax that?

[brianks]

What do you need to relax? As was stated earlier you must be in the country for a continuous 90 days for it to apply. If you leave before 90 days are up then time restarts when you re enter the country.