The government of Thailand has extended the deadline for manual work permit submissions to July 28, 2026, providing temporary relief for employers and foreign workers facing challenges with the country’s digital application system.
The extension, announced by the Department of Employment, allows applicants to continue submitting work permit requests offline across all categories, including new applications, renewals, amendments, and cancellations, according to Travelobiz.
However, authorities emphasized that manual filing remains a restricted option and not the standard procedure.
Under existing guidelines, applicants can only submit work permits manually if they experience technical issues with the e-Work Permit platform. In such cases, proof of the system error must be provided during submission. This requirement reinforces the government’s broader push toward digitising immigration and labour processes.
The e-Work Permit system remains the primary and preferred channel for all applications. The latest extension does not change this position but instead provides a fallback option for users who are unable to complete their applications online due to technical disruptions.
For companies that do not qualify for the Rapid Process, the rules remain unchanged. Such firms are required to continue with manual submissions in line with standard procedures set by the authorities.
The extension is expected to have limited impact on most applicants, as the online system continues to dominate the application process. However, it provides additional time for exceptions, particularly in cases where technical issues disrupt submissions.
The latest move comes amid broader adjustments to Thailand’s immigration and travel policies.
Also in 2025, Thailand introduced reforms aimed at improving entry processes. Authorities scrapped plans for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system and instead launched a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), a mandatory pre-arrival registration for travellers from visa-exempt countries. The TDAC is designed to streamline border procedures and enhance immigration screening.
Earlier policy changes also included the removal of work experience requirements for long-term resident visa applicants, part of efforts to attract skilled foreign talent and investment.
