My 5 year liscense expires in July but I will be out of the country at that time. I will be leaving on 23 May. Is it possible to renew in May before leaving and is the address verification required for a renewal?

Last time I tried to renew it 1 day earlier the expiry date and they refused and asked me to come on the dates printed on my licence. but its been 4 years since then.

Yes can only renew after it expires, Thai logic in there somewhere.