I'm soon to apply for my annual extension of stay on an Non-imm O visa. Since I apply "upcountry", the paperwork gets sent to Bangkok, and I get a 30 day extension while the application is under consideration and I return to the local immigration office in a month, usually to get a 2nd 30 day extension until the year extension is finally granted.

Here's my question: I'd like to take a trip outside the country during the period of one of these temporary extensions. Can I obtain a re-entry permit and re-enter under my current visa? Or is this a marginal situation that will cause confusion in Thai officialdom? Advice appreciated.

Extensions should be complete within the first 30 days now from reports. You can always obtain a re-entry permit if you can return before the end of the 30 day period so you could make a short trip.

Lopburi, thanks very much for your advice. If I understand you correctly, these 30 day extensions while an application is under consideration are treated just like any extension -- I can obtain a re-entry permit and just need to return to Thailand before the current extension expires. I'm only planning to take a trip of about a week, and will arrange the timing appropriately.

That is my understanding but admit I have never personally done it. Obviously if they won't issue the re-entry permit all bets are off.

Please carefully check the"valid until" date on the re-entry permit to ensure it tallies with the end of the 30-day extension period.