Non Immigrant O Visa & Leaving Thailand Question

[KhunLing]

I've got Non Immigrant O visa (based on marriage) from my country. I then entered Thailand and got the visa extended for 1 year.

Say my extension of visa will expire in December 08 but before then I have to leave Thailand for a few months or longer but I won't be returning to Thailand until February 09.

Will I lose my visa and have to apply again for a Non Immigrant O visa from my country?

Or the 1 year period of the extended visa won't count the dates that I am out of Thailand and will start again after I am back in Thailand?

[lopburi3]

If you were to return before the extension of stay ends you could use a re-entry permit but as this is not your case you will have to start over with a new visa and then extend it again. Best to obtain a single entry visa in your home country before you return and then about 10 weeks after return visit Immigration for another one year extension of stay.