I have had a yearly multiple entry Non-B business visa for many years now from the Hong Kong Thai consulate (where I am a permanent resident). Normally, I don't apply for a new one until the previous one has expired, but this year, the timing is off because I will be back in Hong Kong only until a week before my current Non-B expires, then will come back to Thailand (where I will be granted a 90 day stay) but then I am traveling from Thailand to Europe shortly after, then would like to return to Thailand without going through Hong Kong. This means I can't apply for a new yearly multiple entry Non-B visa (e-visa) from the HK consulate for my return to Thailand. Does anyone know if I need to actually wait until my current visa expires before I am allowed to apply for a new one? I tried contacting the consulate but there's no reply.
I can't get an extension of stay w/re-entry permit on a Non-B instead, because the frequency that I travel back and forth doesn't allow me to remain in Thailand long enough to process it.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual holds a yearly multiple entry Non-B business visa and is concerned about the timing of renewing their visa as they have upcoming travel plans. They wish to apply for a new visa but are unsure if they must wait for their current visa to expire. Responses suggest that generally, one cannot apply for a new visa while still having an active visa. However, experiences shared indicate it might be possible to apply early under certain circumstances, including communicating with the embassy or applying from another country.