The proposed amendment seeks to revise the existing 2020 regulation, which currently requires foreign workers to collect their work permits in person from the Department of Employment.
Under the new regulation, foreign workers will have the option to authorise a representative to collect their permit on their behalf, receive it by mail, or access it online, explained an official report of the impending change.
The change is expected to reduce travel costs and administrative burdens for both foreign employees and their employers.
Currently, foreign workers must obtain a work permit before beginning employment in Thailand.
While applications can be submitted by the worker or their employer, collection of the permit itself has been restricted to the foreigner collecting the work permit in person, creating logistical challenges and additional expenses for businesses and workers alike, explained the report.
Employers have raised concerns about lost productivity when employees must travel to government offices to retrieve their documents. The Ministry of Labour proposed the amendment to address the issue and provide greater flexibility, the report added.
The new process ‒ when draft ministerial regulation is ratified ‒ will apply to all foreign workers, including those employed in industries such as film production and music festivals.
By allowing alternative collection methods, the government aims to simplify administrative procedures, enhance efficiency, and support businesses by reducing operational disruptions, the report said.
The Department of Employment will establish clear guidelines for implementing these changes once the regulation is finalised, the report concluded.