Can I get a tourist visa in Penang after my Non-B visa is canceled?

Hi Everyone, just a question about my visa. I have resigned from my previous employment at a government school (non-b visa). I was notified they will cancel my work permit next week which will cancel my extension automatically. Now, I'm currently in BKK looking for another teaching job, I went to immigration in BKK and they said all I needed to do is get a tourist visa in Penang and come back. To show the paper/receipt showing the cancelled work permit and visa from the gov't school. Is this correct? Will I be given a tourist visa or will it create problems. I've been in Thailand for 2.5 years and have had 1 ED visa, 3 Non-B (because I moved schools)...I've never over stayed, always done thinks by the book (to the best of my knowledge)

They will cancel work permit Monday, I plan to leave Sunday

Any advice would greatly appreciated. :) Thanks in advance