A friend of mine just sent me a message that at about 6pm local time he received a visa for 60 days (viz until Sept 12). So it seems that the new regulation has finally become known at the immigration counters in Suvanaphum.
Believe me: This is, after all, just another amateurish enterprise to control the moves and contacts of tourists in Thailand. The next step, when tourists become aware of the reasons for the "generosity" and will not use the cards, will be, to make the use of these "free SIM Cards" compulsory.
After all: TIT