I am living in Thailand with a retirement visa which I renew each year. If I wish to travel outside the counrty for a week or so what must I do so as to maintain my retirement visa and not have to start the process over again. I believe Thai immigration can auth. this but hesitate to call them since their English in not all that good.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Merely purchase a re-entry permit from immigration and return before your current retirment visa expires and you will be fine. Can't remember the cost, went up from 500 Baht to a 1000 Baht I think.