Iam considering a retirement visa as this would help with buying car etc. However I may take up a bit of work outside Thailand from time to time. Is there a multi entry capability with the retirement visa or do I have to go through the whole thing each time I return?

Many thanks for any info

Similar question has been answered elsewhere on forum. No need for further reply thanks.

When applying for the visa at the consulate, respectively the consular section of the Thai embassy, apply for the multiple-entry non-immigrant visa category O-A. This will allow you to travel to Thailand an unlimited number of times within one year from the date of its issue and on each arrival you will get permission to stay for one year. If you stay in Thailand longer than 90 days at a time, you must notify this in person or by mail to the local immigration office.

You can obtain an "O-A" visa (12 month visa granted for the purposes of retirement) outside Thailand or obtain an 90 "O" visa either within or outside Thailand. Then, during the final 30 days of the life of that "O" visa you can obtain a 12-month extension due to retirement within Thailand. That extension can be "kept alive" if you also get a re-entry permit, either single re-entry or multiple re-entry at Immigration. You can also purchase re-entry permits for an O-A visa, or get a multi-entry initially.

So, yes, to answer the OP's question, it is very common for expats living long-term in Thailand with a "retirement visa" (whatever that is -- there is no such thing) to accept short-term work assignments outside of Thailand and return without having to forfeit their visa. I know numerous people who regularly do this.

Is uk pension advice in GBP acceptable as pension paid in Uk and not in Thailand

Is uk pension advice in GBP acceptable as pension paid in Uk and not in Thailand

Yes, it's acceptable. You'll need to get an income verification letter from the British Embassy. Not a difficult process. Their website should have details about how to get one or you can use the "search" function near the top right of your computer screen to look for relevant topics on this Thai Visa forum.