The government advises employers to renew work permits for Lao, Myanmar, and Vietnamese workers by 31 March 2026. If violations are found, strict legal enforcement will be applied to both Thai employers and foreign workers.
On 1 March 2026, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that according to the Cabinet resolution on 2 December 2025, the government approved extending work permits for foreign nationals from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, following the Cabinet decision of 24 September 2024. Those authorized to work until 31 March 2026 can stay and work in Thailand for an additional year. Foreign workers, employers, and establishments hiring these three nationalities must apply to renew work permits electronically via eworkpermit.doe.go.th, submitting all required documents and fees. Upon completion, foreign workers can legally stay and work until 31 March 2027. Those from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam whose permits expire on 31 March 2026 and wish to remain must submit renewal applications before the current permits expire, complete passport or equivalent documents, and obtain visas within the specified time frame. The renewal procedures are as follows:
1. Employers must submit renewal applications on behalf of foreign workers with required documents such as medical certificates, health insurance or social security documents, and employer documents through the electronic system. A fee of 100 baht per application and 900 baht per work permit must be paid by 31 March 2026.
2. Once approved by the registrar, foreign workers can continue to work in Thailand for one more year until 31 March 2027. Meanwhile, the permit registration document can be used as temporary evidence until the official work permit is issued.
3. Foreign workers must complete visa stamping or obtain temporary residence permission within 28 September 2026 to be legally allowed to stay in Thailand until 31 March 2027. All supporting documents must be uploaded completely to the electronic system.
“Employers, establishments, and foreign workers must complete all procedures within the deadline; otherwise, they will not be legally permitted to stay or work in Thailand. If the Department of Employment finds foreign workers working without permits after the deadline, strict legal action will be taken against both Thai employers and foreign employees. For further inquiries, please contact the Bangkok Employment Offices 1 to 10, provincial employment offices nationwide, or the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506 press 2,” Ms. Airin said.