The Cabinet has approved continuing the three-nationality labor policy by extending work permits, supporting over 770,000 workers to drive the economy forward and reduce impacts on businesses that still require foreign labor.
On 14 July 2026, Second Lieutenant Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that the Cabinet has approved extending work permits for foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. It also approved two related draft announcements proposed by the Ministry of Labor to ensure ongoing management of foreign labor, meeting labor demands in production and service sectors and supporting the country’s economic progress.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that this resolution continues measures previously approved by the Cabinet on 11 November 2025, which set guidelines for managing foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The original measures were set to expire on 11 December 2026. However, some foreign workers cannot meet the conditions within the set timeframe. Without this extension, their legal status would be affected, impacting government labor management and business operations. Therefore, extending the permission to stay and work is necessary to maintain effective and continuous foreign labor management.
. As of 30 June 2026, about 770,000 foreign workers are covered under these measures. This work permit extension will allow these workers to continue legal procedures smoothly, reducing impacts on businesses that still depend on foreign labor and maintaining labor continuity in the economy.
Simultaneously, the Cabinet approved draft announcements from the Ministry of Interior on special permission for foreigners to stay in the kingdom and from the Ministry of Labor on special permission for foreigners to work in the kingdom. These aim to ensure consistent direction and clarity in implementation. The Cabinet also assigned the Ministry of Labor, through the Department of Employment, to promptly publicize information to employers, businesses, foreign workers, and related agencies about criteria, procedures, and timelines to facilitate lawful compliance and improve the efficiency of foreign labor management in the country.