Thailand Temporarily Allows Manual Work Permit Applications Until January 2026
Thailand’s Department of Employment (DOE) has announced a temporary measure allowing employers and foreign workers to manually submit work permit applications until January 28, 2026. This step comes as authorities work to resolve ongoing technical issues in the country’s newly launched e-Work Permit system.
Background: Thailand’s New e-Work Permit System
In October 2025, Thailand introduced its new e-Work Permit platform, a digital system designed to streamline the application, renewal, and cancellation processes for foreign worker permits.
Under this system, both foreign employees and their employers are required to complete all related submissions online, including registration and documentation.
Temporary Manual Submissions Allowed
Due to technical glitches encountered by users, the Department of Employment is temporarily allowing manual (paper-based) work permit applications.
This applies specifically to:
- Renewal of work permits for skilled foreign employees, and
- Cancellation of work permits for all categories of foreign workers.
Applicants facing system errors may now file applications manually at the relevant provincial or area employment office. They must, however, attach a screenshot of the system error message along with their paper submission.
This temporary arrangement will remain valid until January 28, 2026.
Future: All Work Permit Applications to Go Fully Digital
Once the e-Work Permit system becomes fully operational, all work permit-related processes—including new applications, renewals, and cancellations—must be completed online.
This requirement will apply to all companies, including those under Board of Investment (BOI) promotion.
Approved applicants will receive an electronic Work Permit ID (e-Work Permit ID card) instead of a physical booklet.
Impact of the Temporary Measure
The decision to allow manual submissions provides much-needed flexibility to both employers and foreign workers during this transitional period.
It ensures that:
- Work permit renewals and cancellations can proceed without disruption, and
- Businesses can remain compliant despite technical delays.
This temporary option helps prevent administrative backlogs while the government works to stabilize the e-Work Permit system.
Final Outlook
Thailand’s move toward a fully digital work permit system reflects its broader push to modernize government services and reduce paperwork.
Once the e-Work Permit platform operates seamlessly, it is expected to enhance efficiency, speed up approvals, and simplify record tracking—benefiting both employers and international professionals working in the country.
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