Just a quick update.
Went to Penang to get my yearly NON-B visa but as my work permit is out of tune with my visa (only 4 months left) I only got a 3 months visa. I been out of sink for the last 4 years and it has never been a problem.
I was aware of this "new"? rule of having a minimum 8 months WP left to get a 1 year visa in Penang and tried to renew my work permit before I went but the labour office in Surat Thani was not happy to give me a new 1 year work permit as my old one was still valid for 4 months.
Well, that isn't really a big deal I thought. I just renew my work permit when it runs out, then get a new 1 year NON-B visa and I'm back in tune.
But, returning to Thailand, I spend 40 minutes in Don Muang (missing my connection flight) trying to explain the custom officer why I only have 3 months visa. He was absolute not happy, constantly asking me, for how long I will leave Thailand after my visa runs out. I told him I will renew my work permit when it runs out, then apply for a new visa. Still, he was not happy with that. So I told him I will go to Europe for 3 months holiday once my visa runs out and miracles do happen, he stamped my passport.
What a nonsense. Seams, one hand does not know what the other one does. Will see what happen in 3 months time ;-)
TLDR : Answer Summary
The author shares an experience regarding the issuance of a NON-B visa in Penang, highlighting a new requirement for having a minimum of 8 months left on their work permit to receive a 1-year visa. Despite attempts to renew the work permit before the trip, they received only a 3-month visa due to their existing work permit's short validity. Upon returning to Thailand, they faced difficulties at Don Muang Airport when explaining their visa situation to a customs officer, ultimately resolving it with a story about future travel plans.
