The Minister of Labor has approved a one-year extension for work permits of workers from three nationalities—Lao, Myanmar, and Vietnamese—to support the business sector.
On 3 July 2026, Julpan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labor, chaired the 3rd meeting of the Policy Committee on Foreign Workers Management (PCFWM) for the year 2026, joined by security agencies and relevant private sector representatives to establish measures managing migrant workers in line with economic system needs.
After the meeting, Julpan revealed that to prevent labor shortages affecting employers and the country’s overall economy, the PCFWM agreed in principle to extend work permits for foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam by one year. This applies to workers previously authorized under the Cabinet resolution dated 11 November 2025 (originally expiring 11 December 2026), allowing them to temporarily stay and work in Thailand until 11 December 2027. The Ministry of Labor will oversee the process carefully and rigorously.
Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, added regarding legal procedures that the Ministry of Labor will promptly submit the PCFWM meeting results to the Cabinet for approval. These foreign workers can apply for permit extensions only after the Cabinet approves and the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labor’s announcements take legal effect.
Meanwhile, the Department of Employment urges employers, establishments, and eligible foreign workers to closely monitor progress via the website www.doe.go.th or inquire at provincial employment offices nationwide and hotline 1506 press 2.