Thai Cabinet extends work permits for migrant workers from three nationalities — Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam — for another year until 11 December 2027
Today (14 July 2026), Captain Patdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Government Spokesperson, announced that the Cabinet has approved the extension of work permits for migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The Cabinet also approved two related draft notifications proposed by the Ministry of Labour. The objective is to ensure the continuous management of migrant labor, support workforce demand in the manufacturing and service sectors, and help drive the country’s economy.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson said that this resolution continues the measures previously approved by the Cabinet on 11 November 2025 regarding the management of migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The existing measures are due to expire on 11 December 2026.
However, some migrant workers have been unable to complete the required procedures within the prescribed timeframe. Without additional measures, these workers could fall into an illegal status, affecting government labor management and business operations. Therefore, it is necessary to extend their permission to stay and work in Thailand in order to maintain effective and continuous migrant labor administration.
As of 30 June 2026, approximately 770,000 migrant workers were covered by these measures. The extension will allow these workers to continue completing the legal procedures required by law, reduce the impact on businesses that still rely on migrant labor, and help maintain workforce continuity within the economy.
In addition, the Cabinet approved:
- A draft Ministry of Interior notification on granting special permission for foreign nationals to remain in the Kingdom; and
- A draft Ministry of Labour notification on granting specific permission for foreign nationals to work in the Kingdom.
These measures are intended to ensure consistent implementation and provide clear operational guidelines.
Captain Patdarasmi further stated that the Cabinet has instructed the Ministry of Labour, through the Department of Employment, to accelerate public awareness efforts among business operators, employers, migrant workers, and relevant agencies. This is to ensure all parties understand the regulations, procedures, and timelines, facilitate compliance with the law, and improve the efficiency of Thailand’s migrant labor management system.