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Thailand’s Department of Employment issues an important update regarding the new e-Work Permit platform. As a temporary measure, it started accepting manually filed work permit renewal applications for skilled foreign workers and work permit cancellation applications for all foreign workers.

Thailand’s New e-Work Permit

It is worth noting that, starting in October 2025, Thailand announced a new ‘e-Work Permit‘ system for foreign workers. The new system mandatorily requires both foreign employees and their employers to use this platform for submitting work permit applications and registering foreign workers.

Manual Work Permit Allowed Until January 2026

Now, due to some technical issues with the new e-work permit system, the Department of Employment has introduced temporary measures allowing the manual submission of work permit applications.

As per an announcement made by the Department of Employment, employers and foreign employees experiencing system issues can file a work permit application in paper form until January 28, 2026.

However, they must attach a screenshot of the error message and submit their materials to the relevant provincial or area employment office. 

Work Permit Applications to Move Fully Online

When Thailand’s e-Work Permit system is fully implemented, all companies, including those under the Board of Investment promotion, and all the following work permit-related applications will need to be submitted through the e-Work Permit online platform.

• New Work Permit Applications
• Renewals of Work Permit,
• Cancellations of Work Permit

Approved applicants will receive an e-Work Permit ID card (Work Permit ID).

Impact of the Change

The temporary option for submitting work permit applications provides a much-needed flexibility for employers and foreign workers dealing with technical problems in the new e-Work Permit system.

It allows work permit renewals and cancellations to be completed without major delays, avoiding disruptions to employment and compliance processes during the transition.

Final Thoughts

Thailand’s shift to a fully digital work permit system shows its effort to simplify administrative services and cut down on paperwork. Once the e-Work Permit platform operates smoothly, it should make tracking applications and approvals much more efficient, benefiting both employers and foreign professionals in the long run.