Thailand's Minister of Labour, Julapun Amornvivat, announced following today's Cabinet meeting that the government has approved a one-year extension of work permits for migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
The extension builds on a Cabinet resolution dated 11 November 2025. Under the new approval, eligible workers may continue working until 11 December 2026, and their temporary residency in Thailand has been extended until 11 December 2027. Workers are still required to complete the procedures set by the Department of Employment (DOE) within the specified timeframe. According to the Minister, approximately 770,000 workers held valid work permits as of 11 December 2025.
However, workers who have not yet obtained a passport or a Certificate of Identity (CI) risk losing their legal residency status if they fail to complete the required procedures in time. This risk was cited as the main reason behind the Cabinet's decision to extend the deadline, aimed at preventing disruption to labor administration and employer workforce needs.
DOE Director-General Somchai Morakot also urged workers to renew their work permits before expiration, stressing that those without a passport must urgently obtain a passport or CI and apply for a visa within the designated period.
While Smart Card-format work permits are not yet issued, a Temporary Work Permit (Type B, Form 62) will serve as valid proof of legal employment authorization.
This document remains valid only until the date scheduled for identity verification and work permit collection at the designated service center. Failure to complete the required steps will result in the work permit expiring, potentially classifying the worker as undocumented.
The measures will take effect immediately following the issuance of relevant announcements by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour.
Editor's note: Myanmar migrant workers are advised to urgently complete their work permit, passport, and visa procedures within the deadline, and to closely follow the latest official announcements.
Source: Thailand Ministry of Labour / Department of Employment (DOE)
