The Cabinet has approved extending the work period for over 370,000 foreign workers from three nationalities—Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam—until 31 March 2026, fearing negative effects on the country's economic system.
On 10 March 2026, Ms. Treenuch Thienthong, Minister of Labor, revealed that the Cabinet meeting approved extending the work permit period for foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, totaling over 370,000 people, until 31 March 2026. Previously, the deadline was 24 February 2026. This extension aims to keep these workers within the legal system, preventing them from becoming illegal laborers and avoiding negative impacts on businesses and the country's workforce, particularly regarding economic momentum.
The Labor Minister added that the Cabinet also approved extending the period for issuing passports or passport substitutes and visas from 24 June 2026 to 31 July 2026. This will allow the mentioned workers to receive leniency once the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labor announcements take effect.
Meanwhile, employers with workers from these three nationalities and business operators can follow updates via the Ministry of Labor website at www.mol.go.th, the Department of Employment website at www.doe.go.th, or inquire further by calling the Ministry of Labor hotline at 1506 press 2.