I have a single-entry retirement extension up for renewal April 29th. No probs with the paperwork.

I will renew with multiple-entry.

I want to go to Vietnam before that.

1. How many days in advance of 4/29 can I renew? I want to avoid getting sprayed, you know?

2. If I pay for a re-entry permit, and leave before the earliest I could renew, returning after the 29th (say 10 May), are there any negative ramifications?

1. Normally renewal is allowed up to 30 days early but Pattaya may allow up to 60 days (although have not recall any recent reports).

2. A re-entry permit prior to renewal would not help if return was later than April 29. The extension would have ended and only visa exempt entry stamp given.

There is no such thing as multiple entry. Extensions of stay do not allow travel without re-entry permit. So that is additional at 1,000 baht single entry or 3,800 baht multi entry and are only valid for the current permitted to stay until date.

"I have a single-entry retirement extension up for renewal April 29th. No probs with the paperwork. I will renew with multiple-entry."

Your 'single-entry' and 'multiple-entry' are actually referring to re-entry permits that are different from extensions and are purchased separately.

1. How many days in advance of 4/29 can I renew?

Normally 30 days. Pattaya has been known to allow earlier. Any office might allow earlier renewal if you talk to them and explain you will be traveling outside the country.

2. If I pay for a re-entry permit, and leave before the earliest I could renew, returning after the 29th (say 10 May), are there any negative ramifications?

One big one I can think of. Your extension will have expired and you'll have to start over with a new visa.

A re-entry permit does not give you additional days on your 'permission to stay'. It just keeps that date alive if you leave and re-enter the country prior to the expiration date.

There are pinned topics at the top of the forum that are helpful with explanations and correct terminology.

Terry

1. Normally renewal is allowed up to 30 days early but Pattaya may allow up to 60 days (although have not recall any recent reports).

2. A re-entry permit prior to renewal would not help if return was later than April 29. The extension would have ended and only visa exempt entry stamp given.

There is no such thing as multiple entry. Extensions of stay do not allow travel without re-entry permit. So that is additional at 1,000 baht single entry or 3,800 baht multi entry and are only valid for the current permitted to stay until date.

Thanks. Numbers 1 and 2 are clear.

The bold seems to be contradictory, or am I missing something?

As we both mentioned re-entry permits are an entirely difference item - not a type of retirement extension of stay.