Documents required obtaining work permit in Thailand

In today’s time, everyone is looking for a reason to travel to different places, experience a new lifestyle, etc; and what’s better than having a job overseas! You get to earn handsome money along with working in world-class conditions. But working overseas can only be possible when you obtain a work permit from the destined country. But what is a work permit?

It is an official document/license stating that the person (foreigner) has been granted the permission to work in a country. It includes some essential details like position title, job description, employers’ details, etc.

Every country has their own set of laws for the non-citizens willing to join a company in their country. In Thailand too, there are certain requirements to be fulfilled by the candidate before and after applying for a work permit. The following are the prescribed documents required to obtain a work permit in Thailand:

• A legitimate Non-immigrant Class ‘B’ Business Visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate outside of Thailand.
• Academic qualifications and a letter of recommendation from the previous employer specifying your past position, responsibilities, accomplishments, and other details of employment.
• A recent doctor’s certificate from a certified physician in Thailand.
• Three recent photographs of size 5×6 cm. Photos may be in colour or in black and white. It should display full-face and your head should not be covered.
• If someone else is filing your application form then an authentic power of attorney along with the form must be attached with a 10 baht duty stamp.
• Your job role in Thailand and other details should be precisely mentioned.
• If you have applied for a job that is subject to a license under a particular law, then a photocopy of such license, (e.g. teacher’s license, physician’s license, press card from the Public Relations Department, etc.) should be affixed.

Once the work permit has been granted, the foreigner should keep it him or bring the permit all time at the workplace, for inspection can be carried out any day, any time.

Also keep in mind certain rules laid down for the following circumstances:

• For extension: You should apply for an extension of your work permit before the last date if you expect to continue your work in Thailand. Failure of this will land you in jail or charge you a fine or even both.
• When lost/damaged: One must apply for replacement as soon as possible (max. within 15 days) inability to which, you will be fined.
• Update: For any kind of information that needs to be updated in your work permit, you should immediately inform the Employment Service office.
• Resignation: If you are planning to resign from your job, don’t forget to return your work permit within 7 days of your resignation. If you are found violating this, you will be fined.