I had the 1 year AO visa but unfortunately i had to return to Canada, befor the year was up. I also negleted to get the exit permit which im told would have allowed me to return within the last stamp witch was Nov. 11, so when i arrived i was given a 1 month tourist visa and told i had to apply and go through the whole process again in Canada. im presently in Vietnam and was wondering of i could get a 3 month visa from here which would allow me to stay in Thailand until i return to Canada sometime in the new year, has anyone ever gotten a 3 month visa from here (Vietnam) ? would greatly appreciate any help on this as im still planning to apply for the O visa when i get back to Canada, thanks guys...jb

The OA visa is not required to remain in Thailand for retirement reasons - you can extend your stay inside Thailand for a year by meeting financial conditions.

You should be able to obtain a free tourist visa from Consulate and that will allow 60 days and can be extended 30 days at Immigration for 1,900 baht. They might also be willing to issue a single entry non immigrant O visa which would allow 90 day stay but you would have to pay for it so about the same cost - but that would allow one year extension of stay without a visa change if you wish to pursue that avenue.