I know there was a thread on this a while back but can not find it. If one is out of Thailand when the yearly O-A extension date comes due, what have folks done? Is it possible to get the extension when you get back, or is it best to just get a new visa from a Thai consulate such as the ones in LA or Portland?

The visa has expired and you need to get a new one. Portland is an Honorary Consulate and will not issue O/A visas, only LA, NY, DC and Chicago.

Or apply early in Thailand if you can.

30 days is normal but sometimes they will do earlier if you have a good reason.

Believe you are talking about a one year extension of stay for retirement obtained from Immigration inside Thailand. This is not called O-A (which is only obtained from a Consulate in your country of residence with police check and medical). If you can not obtain the extension prior to leaving and your stay ends while abroad getting a single entry non immigrant O visa from any Thai Consulate is your best option and then 60 days after return extend again.

Note that you can extend up to 30 days early. In case of need to travel immigraiton is often willing to extend earlier than 30 days, but would also depend on how long in advance.

Believe you are talking about a one year extension of stay for retirement obtained from Immigration inside Thailand. This is not called O-A (which is only obtained from a Consulate in your country of residence with police check and medical). If you can not obtain the extension prior to leaving and your stay ends while abroad getting a single entry non immigrant O visa from any Thai Consulate is your best option and then 60 days after return extend again.

Lopburi3, always appreciate your inputs. It is an O-A issued in the states. The timing does not work out for an early extension so hence the question. If I follow you, there is no way to extend my current visa but rather I need to get a new visa itself? Is that correct?

Yes but as Lop said it will be easier to get a single Non Imm O Visa and extend it in Thailand after 60 days.

Is the visa multi entry (believe they all are from US) and still valid for entry? You could make a border run today if so and get a new permission to stay until June 2013 and then obtain a re-entry permit for your travel.