Bangkok: The Department of Employment emphasizes that employers must promptly register the legal rights of workers of three nationalities by December 26th. The Department of Employment stresses the urgent need for employers to apply for work permits for workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam who currently have illegal employment status.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, announced that the Ministry of Labour is permitting employers and businesses to apply for work permits on behalf of these foreign workers through the electronic system eworkpermit.doe.go.th by December 26, 2025. This directive follows a Cabinet resolution passed on November 11, 2025. Applications submitted after the deadline will not proceed further.

Employers are also required to ensure that these foreign nationals undergo health checks, obtain health insurance, or register as insured persons, as necessary. These documents must be recorded in the electronic system, and biometric data must be collected by February 24, 2026. A work permit valid for one year, until December 11, 2026, will be considered thereafter. Subsequently, these workers must acquire a passport or equivalent travel document and visa by June 24, 2026, and update their personal registration to obtain a non-Thai national identification card within the authorized work permit period.

Mr. Somchai urged employers, businesses, and foreign workers to expedite these processes within the given timeframe to avoid the risk of being prohibited from residing and working legally in the Kingdom. The Department of Employment intends to take legal action against any Thai employers and employees found engaging in illegal employment without a work permit. For additional information, inquiries can be directed to the Bangkok Metropolitan Employment Offices (Areas 1-10), provincial employment offices nationwide, or the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506, pressing 2 for the Department of Employment.