do i need reentry card?

[mpyre]

I know this has probably been covered before but I could not find the answer. Please bear with me.

I am currently in Thailand on a one year O-A multi-entry retirement visa issued in the United States. The visa was issued last year and says "enter before July 13, 2015." When I entered a few weeks ago I was given a stamp good until March 17, 2016 (365 days) so far, so good. But now I have to leave Thailand unexpectedly in a few weeks and will not be able to return until January of 2016. Do I need to get a re-entry permit for 1900 Baht even though I have multi-entry visa? I assume I do since the visa will have expired by the time I return. Will a reentry permit then allow me to continue my stay, and also apply for extension of stay based on retirement, assuming I meet all the other requirements?

Again, apologies as I'm sure this has been covered before.

Thank you.

[ubonjoe]

You need to get a re-entry permit to keep your current permit to stay valid since your visa will be expired when you return. You will be stamped into the country until March 17th, 2016.

You can then apply for an extension of stay up to 30 days before March 17th.

[Sophon]

And the fee for a single re-entry permit will be 1,000 Baht (1,200 Baht if obtained at the airport) - not 1,900 Baht as stated in the OP.

Sophon