Perhaps someone could help with this potential predicament:

In the past my applications for annual extension to stay have been under consideration for upwards of three months requiring a monthly appearance to receive another "under consideration" stamp. The exception was last year when it was approved in only two months.

There is a very good chance I will need to leave Thailand in the next month or two for a work contract that could last anywhere between 6 weeks to four months. What then becomes of my application for extension to stay and my current visa status? What options do I have for exiting and returning without undue grief / stress / hassle / ?

Has anyone had direct experience with this situation?

Thanks for all replies and suggestions.

Surely a visit to the immigration office to inform them of your plight should sort out the problem. I've never heard of someone being "under consideration" before. I wish I could be more helpful.

Did this before, required was a new re-entry permit that's all; but you must be back before end of under consideration date.

Surely a visit to the immigration office to inform them of your plight should sort out the problem. I've never heard of someone being "under consideration" before. I wish I could be more helpful.

When you extend based on marriage or having a Thai child your application will always be held under consideration and you have to come back 30 days later. Immigration uses this time to check if the marriage is real and can come visit you at home.

In OP's case there is not much he can do. If he can't make it on the date his permission to stay ends, he will have to apply for a new non-O visa from abroad.

Surely a visit to the immigration office to inform them of your plight should sort out the problem. I've never heard of someone being "under consideration" before. I wish I could be more helpful.

When you extend based on marriage or having a Thai child your application will always be held under consideration and you have to come back 30 days later. Immigration uses this time to check if the marriage is real and can come visit you at home.

In OP's case there is not much he can do. If he can't make it on the date his permission to stay ends, he will have to apply for a new non-O visa from abroad.

Under consideration is not uncommon.

You can get a re-entry permit during this period, BUT you must be back by the stated date,

or start again from scratch.

Does anyone know for certain if the application is decided in Bangkok or, in this case, the Phuket office? I ask because if I present the potential for work outside the country to the authorities here, it may just be possible they could fast-track the normal 3 month "under consideration" delay.

Yes, it is send for apporoval to the regional head quarters.