So you are looking for a work permit in Thailand in the New Normal after COVID-19? Lockdown on the global level and closing of international borders may have confused you about the probabilities of the same. But this article will guide you through the process of obtaining a work permit in Thailand NOW.
The Thailand borders are closed since March last year invoking Emergency Decree to stop the spread of COVID-19. However, in 2021, Thailand has eventually opened the country to international travellers and visitors. In April 2021, the mandatory quarantine period for both unvaccinated and vaccinated travellers was shortened to 10 and 7 days, respectively.
According to an announcement of the Department of Tourism of Thailand, quarantine of travellers who are already vaccinated will not be mandatory. Not only this, Thailand will lobby for the ASEAN Nations to permit entry of travellers in the zone with minimalized quarantine measures. So, by now, you must have understood that it is possible to fly to Thailand now if your government permits.
But before you check for your flight to Thailand, check your eligibility for a work permit in Thailand as per the latest guidelines.
Post-COVID Work Permit Eligibility in Thailand
To be eligible for a work permit in Thailand in the New Normal, you have to be one of the following –
- Citizen of Thailand.
- Applicants eligible under the Visa Exemption Rule of Thailand
- Foreigners with a valid non-immigrant B visa (with Work Permit)
- Possession of a non-immigrant B visa (with Work Permit) extension of stay, including their spouses and children.
- Foreigners and their families with permission (WP3) to work in Thailand by the Ministry of Labour.
- Members of the diplomatic corps with non-immigrant D and F visas and their spouses.
- Foreigners with non-immigrant O visas who are spouses, parents, or children of Thai nationals.
- Foreigners with a Certificate of Permanent Residence, as well as their spouses and children, are eligible.
- Foreign students, as well as their parents or guardians, who are enrolled in Thai-approved formal educational institutions.
- Foreigners and their companions who need medical attention in Thailand. This does not, however, provide medical care for COVID–19.
- Foreigners invited by the government and those granted special permission to access the Kingdom, such as Thailand Elite Visa holders.
- Official documents for foreign migrant workers.
If you are eligible by any of the above-mentioned criteria, you have to apply for the Certificate of Entry (COE) to Thailand. If you already have a COE and your trip is for May 6 or onwards, you need not apply for it. But for all other cases, you have to apply for it.
How to Apply for COE for Work Permit in Thailand?
Documents Required for COE Application
The most important criterion for obtaining a COE is that the applicant meets the criteria for entry into Thailand as mentioned on the list of qualified travellers. Before applying for the COE, the applicant must first obtain the required Thai visa. Once you have received your Visa, you must prepare the following documents for your COE –
- Copy of your passport
- STV, non-immigrant visa, or stay extension with a re-entry permit
- COVID-19 Travel Insurance for Thailand Policy covering COVID-19-related care and medical costs with a minimum coverage of $100,000 USD.
- Copy of your confirmed flight reservation.
- Proof of hotel reservation for the Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ).
Steps to follow for COE Application
After you prepare all these documents, the following are the steps you have to follow for COE –
Step 1: Go to https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ and fill out your personal information, as well as upload supporting documentation including a copy of your passport, a copy of your valid visa, and COVID-19 travel insurance. If you meet the criteria, the Embassy will screen and pre-approve you. After 1-3 working days, please check the status of your submission.
Step 2: If you are pre-approved, you can verify your status online. If the Embassy needs additional documentation, they will notify you by email. If you are pre-approved as passengers, you can purchase airline tickets and make reservations at ASQ hotels. To obtain the COE, you have to upload a copy of the flight ticket and the ASQ hotel booking confirmation. After 1-3 working days, please check the status of your submission.
Step 3: Check the further status of your COE approval, download it from the website of COE Thailand.
We would strongly advise that you apply for the COE at least 15 working days prior to the travel date. You must recommend obtaining a valid visa before applying for the COE if you do not have one.
What to Do After You Enter Thailand?
When entering Thailand, as a foreigner or non-Thai national you must obey the Thai government’s COVID-19 pandemic prevention guidelines, which are as follows:
- Present your Certificate of Entry to Thai authorities when you arrive at the airport.
- You have to present your COVID-19 PCR test result certificate.
- Produce the completed and signed Declaration Form.
- You must provide the COVID 19 travel insurance policy.
- Present a valid non-immigrant visa as well as a valid work permit (if applicable).
- At your own expense, you have to undergo a mandatory state quarantine at one of the government’s designated ASHQ Hotels under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Health.
After you enter Thailand and complete the formalities mentioned above, you can apply for the Work Permit. You must note that there is a change in the process to enter Thailand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After you reach Thailand, the work permit issuance procedure is the same as earlier.
To know the further process of obtaining a Work Permit in Thailand, please check https://www.konradlegal.com/immigration/work-permit-in-thailand/
In case you have any other query and is finding difficulty in any of the mentioned documentation or regulatory process, feel free to contact us. You can book your free consultation session with us by writing to us at [email protected].
