Okay people this has NOTHING to do with anyone who has a VISA to stay here.
This is ONLY for permanent resident holders (AND if you have to ask what that is believe me you don't have it :O)
The rule once you get permanent residence is if you leave thailand you must return withing 365 days or you lose your permanent resident status
This announcement is only saying that IF people who hold PR are out of thailand and can't get back within a year from when they left they will not lose their PR status.
Copyright Tod Daniels
TLDR : Answer Summary
Recent announcements clarify that Thai Permanent Residents (PR) who leave the country must return within 365 days to maintain their status. However, there is now a provision allowing those who cannot return within a year to retain their PR, subject to specific circumstances. This applies only to holders of Permanent Residency, not to those with temporary visas or extensions.