Work Visas in Thailand: What Has Been Approved and What Is Being Discussed in 2026

Work visas in Thailand and extensions of work permits are different procedures. The special program applies to previously registered workers from Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam who meet its conditions. The Cabinet allowed them to work until December 11, 2027, without opening a new registration. Citizenship alone is not enough.

In November, the Ministry of Labor also reported discussions of other measures for foreign workers. These proposals have not yet become rules. Russian citizens and Belarusians with an ordinary work visa extend their stay separately. A work permit does not automatically extend the visa. A visa, permitted stay and authorization to work have different bases, so deadlines for these documents must be checked separately. We review the approved measures and proposals. Current as of November 11, 2026.

What is known

On July 14, 2026, the Cabinet approved an extension of stay and work for previously registered workers from Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam who meet the program’s conditions, until December 11, 2027. The Government Public Relations Department clarifies that new registrations are not open.

The Ministry of Labor also reported discussion of intergovernmental recruitment and permit extensions. This is not an approval of a new procedure by the Cabinet.

Work visas in Thailand: who is eligible for an extension

Extending a work permit in Thailand applies to workers already registered with authorization valid until December 11, 2026, under the Cabinet decision of November 11, 2025. Citizenship without such authorization does not confer this right.

A program participant can extend the work permit; a holder of an ordinary work visa extends stay separately; for workers under intergovernmental recruitment agreements (MOU), another measure is under discussion. Russian citizens and Belarusians are not covered by the special scheme merely by being employed. More details — about the work permit in Thailand.

Deadlines, documents and fees of the special program

As of November 2026, according to the Government of Thailand’s statement on deadlines and documents, the conditions are as follows:

The times 16.30 and 20.00 refer to electronic application and payment, not to the operation of immigration offices. The fees do not apply to ordinary visas.

Among the documents, the government lists:

• A passport or a replacement document; workers from Myanmar who do not yet have a passport may provide it later.
• A result of a medical examination for diseases prohibited for work authorization, from a state or licensed private medical facility, with data transmitted to the Department of Employment.
• Proof of social security coverage under Section 33. If the employer has changed and social security is not yet approved, health insurance for a minimum of 6 months; for certain jobs without mandatory contributions, such as domestic work and agriculture, a minimum of 1 year.
• A power of attorney with stamp duty when submitted by an employer or agency.

The list is not exhaustive. The passport and visa stage is separate: until June 30, 2027; for a passport issued after August 1, 2026, 90 days from issuance, but no later than June 30, 2027. Confirmation of submission together with the receipt may serve as temporary proof of the right to work under this program; after approval, a temporary permit is provided until the final permit is issued.

November proposals: what has not yet been approved

In the official statement on the measures under discussion the Ministry of Labor confirmed discussion of intergovernmental recruitment and permit extensions. No new Cabinet decision has been confirmed.

The Phuket News reports a proposal to remove the usual 30-day break for some workers from Laos and Myanmar under intergovernmental agreements with permits expiring from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027. Also under discussion is recruitment of workers from Sri Lanka with an initial two-year permit and the option to extend it by another two years. These are proposals, not operating rules.

Ordinary work visa (Non-B): a separate procedure

The government portal describes the Category B (Non-B) visa with a validity of 90 days. An annual extension of stay for work requires a work permit. A visa, legal stay and a work permit have different terms and do not automatically extend one another.

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) states 1,900 baht for an application on form TM.7 with in-person submission. When applying, refer to TM.7, your passport and your work permit; requirements depend on the basis. More details — about obtaining a work visa and work permit and about extending permitted stay.

What to do

Check with your employer the citizenship, registration and previous authorization period. Prepare your passport, medical and insurance documents, and a power of attorney if needed.

For the special program, submission is provided through the Department of Employment’s electronic system, either in person or through a representative. Save confirmations of submission and payment, and complete the passport and visa stage. With an ordinary work visa, apply for an extension of stay at the Immigration Bureau. Conditions may change; before applying, check current announcements from the Department of Employment and the Immigration Bureau.