Can I ask what document(s) it was that your employer couldn't get?

I'm about to go through this and it might be worthwhile to know

I have input on this because a.) I was just living in hatyai and b.) I've also recently entered on a few visa exemptions after 5 years on a non-b + yearly extensions for work

1st off: Hatyai is NOT a major airport and they *likely* won't ask you for anything if it's your first time using an exemption. I'm on my 3rd back to back visa-exempt entry since Feb. and just flew into hatyai Monday (barely spent 12 hrs in malaysia) and all he said was "next time you should get a visa" [which I will be getting a new non-b so that's not a problem]

2ndly, related... they're looking for people who are overusing visa exemptions and tourist visas, sometimes even an Ed visa in order to stay here [and the presumption is work too] which is not okay and illegal. You're not one of those people at all :)

Coming back after a decent legal stay for work as a tourist is completely normal and not a red flag at all. Don't worry :) you have a legitimate reason. If they ask anything you can honestly say 'I've finished working and I'm here for 30-60 days before I go home"

That's completely okay and nothing that will flag the immigration officer as suspicious!

@Ade *****

because airport immigration are known for questioning Ed visa holders more stringently (because Ed visa holders really "shouldn't" be traveling around if they're here specifically to study) -- at least I think this is the reason

The 90 day report "resets" everytime you leave, as it is a report for those who STAY in thailand for 90 or more days. Leaving and returning will set it back to day 1

@Graham *****

yes all understood now :) thanks a bunch

@Jiji **********

I have a feeling it's just not common as most teachers who are here already have the extension of stay and most situations probably don't have teachers leaving in the first 90 days 😅

@James *******

yes thanks.

Long story short been here 5 years on legitimate consecutive extensions of stay based on working... but in February of this year I had my first instance of losing a job prior to the contract finishing; forcing me to leave and return/remain here as a tourist just the past 3 months. Now I've found work again and should be able to secure the Non B without any issue. Have always been here legitimately, just the last couple months have required pop outs and since I live in Hatyai (Canadian nationality) going to Malaysia has been manageable.

I knew my previous "pop out & back in" via land border based on visa exemption was my last one allowed for this year, but if coming back with the NON-B is allowed, by land, I shouldn't have much to worry about.

@Tod ********

ah yes noted

Not a worry. I've left more times this year than the previous 5, hopefully no more leaving after all this is done 555

@Tod ********

thanks Tod! If the re-entry permit can be used to maintain the visa validity before actually attaining the year long extension... that's a huge bonus!

@James *******

thanks as always!

Just to confirm: "a valid non-b visa" is that sticker they literally physically put in my passport at a neighbouring consulate ... right? That is then allowed at a land border crossing into Thailand because the 2 entries/yr. is only limited to entries based on exemptions, right? That makes sense and is very reassuring!

What difficulties to you forsee if I come back in by air? [Ideally I won't do that anyways because land borders are so much closer to where I live]