Work Permit
What is a work permit?
Before foreigners can work in Thailand, whether in business, trade, or employment in any profession, they are required to apply for a change of visa type to a Non-Immigrant Visa “B” (Non-B Visa), also known as a Business Visa. Once the visa type has been successfully changed, they can then apply for a work permit in accordance with Thai law.
And when the work permit expires, it must be renewed immediately, including in cases where foreign workers change their workplace or employer. In such situations, they must apply for a new work permit accordingly.
If a foreigner applies for a Non-B visa but has not yet applied for a work permit, they can apply for the work permit themselves at the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor, within 90 days after entering Thailand. This is in accordance with the law that allows them to stay temporarily in the Kingdom.
Qualifications of foreigners to apply for a work permit
- Foreigners who have a residence or have been granted permission to enter the Kingdom of Thailand temporarily under the immigration law (NON-IMMIGRANT) and are not granted permission to enter as tourists or transit travelers (TOURIST/TRANSIT) are allowed to work initially or when their original permit expires and they apply for a new one.
- They have the knowledge and capability to perform the work as requested in the permit.
- There are no physical components as follows.
- They are not a morally corrupt person or have a mental disorder that makes them unsuitable.
- They are not suffering from advanced stage of communicable diseases, tuberculosis, or leprosy with symptoms that are deemed socially undesirable.
- They are not addicted to narcotics or have a history of chronic alcoholism.
- They do not have stage 3 syphilis.
Employers must thoroughly examine and consider the entry of foreign workers.
The documents required to prepare for submitting a work permit application typically
- Application Form TM.1″ and 3 passport-sized photos (3×4 cm) taken within the last 6 months.
- Employment Letter” or “Employment Contract
- Copies of Educational Credentials and Employment History Documents
- Medical Certificate
- Copy of Passport, Residence Certificate, and Alien Registration Certificate with Originals
- Copy of Professional License (If Required by Law)
- (In the case where the company passes a B.O.I letter to the provincial governor explaining the need to hire foreign workers)
- Letter of Power of Attorney from the Foreign Employer, Affixed with a 10 Baht Revenue Stamp, Along with a Copy of the Identity Card of the Authorized Person
Supporting Documents for Consideration by the Business/Employer
- Private Sector Business Establishment
- Copies of Thai Company Registration Certificate and Shareholders List not exceeding 6 months
- Por.Por.01 and Por.Por.20
- List of foreign workers with work permit numbers.
- Copy of financial statement (PND. 50). 50 or PND. Latest 51 years and Por.30
- Photos of the business premises, 4 photos (front view of the building, interior, and photos inside the factory).
- In case the employer is a foreigner, a copy of the employer’s work permit is required. If the employer is not in Thailand, it must be notarized.
- Private school/university
- Copy of the appointment letter of the teacher or instructor, along with their responsibilities and contract.
- Teacher Professional License.
- Copy of the License to Establish a School.
- Document showing educational qualifications.
- Government agencies.
Know or about PDPA?
- Journalists and mass media professionals reporting news for the benefit of the public by presenting personal data of others are not in violation, as the news is disseminated for public interest.
- If anyone wishes to install CCTV cameras in a location that can record other individuals entering or passing through their premises, they must post a sign to inform others that CCTV cameras are in use, in accordance with the law.
- The Personal Data Protection Act of 2019 (PDPA) is a relatively new law, and as such, there may not yet be established legal precedents or court judgments. Considering cases under this law may require time and careful consideration.
Reference source
- ขอใบอนุญาตทำงาน ขอเวิร์คเพอร์มิท (มปป) Thai visa center. Available at: https://www.thaivisacenter.com/14945321/เวิร์คเพอร์มิท (Accessed: 21 August 2023).
- JobsDB content team (2023) ใบอนุญาตทำงาน (work permit) คืออะไร สิ่งที่ควรรู้ก่อนตัดสินใจทำงานต่างประเทศ – JobsDB ไทย, JobsDB. Available at: https://th.jobsdb.com/th/career-advice/article/ใบอนุญาตทำงาน-work-permit-คืออะไร (Accessed: 21 August 2023).