Thailand Urges Employers to Renew Work Permits for Laotian, Myanmar, Vietnamese Workers by December 11
Thailand's Department of Employment is urging employers to renew work permits for foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam by December 11, 2025, allowing them to extend employment for one additional year.
The Department of Employment is urging employers to renew work permits for foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam by December 11, 2025. According to a cabinet resolution approved on July 14, 2025, foreign workers whose permits expire on December 11, 2025, can extend their stay and work for one more year until December 11, 2026.
Somchai Morakotsrivarn, director-general of the Department of Employment, explained that the measure applies to foreign workers authorized to work and holding visas valid until December 11, 2025, as well as those already approved to work but unable to obtain or renew their passports by July 31, 2025, or whose passports expire before December 11, 2025.
Employers and foreign workers must follow these steps: First, foreign workers must undergo health screening at state or accredited private hospitals and obtain health insurance. Second, they must submit renewal applications through the electronic system by December 11, 2025, and pay filing fees of 100 baht and work permit fees of 900 baht. Third, once approved by the registrar, workers can continue employment until December 11, 2026, using temporary work permits. Fourth, foreign workers must obtain or renew their passports and complete visa inspection by June 30, 2026, or within 90 days of receiving their passport.
Somchai urged employers, businesses, and foreign workers to prepare required documents and complete the renewal process within the specified timeframe. Further inquiries can be directed to the Bangkok Employment Offices (Areas 1-10) or provincial employment offices nationwide.
