Speaking at a press conference in Bangkok earlier this week, Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, unveiled the initiative to hire private companies to manage the production of work permits and provide application and employment notification services through an ‘Outsourcing Service’ system.
The project is part of a nationwide push to modernise and digitise public services in line with Thailand’s 20-year national strategy to elevate government efficiency and international competitiveness, Mr Somchai said.
“This project will help reduce the steps and time involved in the work permit process, making applications faster, more accurate and more efficient. Previously, the process took about three days, but the new system will significantly cut this time,” Mr. Somchai explained.
The Phuket News notes that the issuance of new work permits in Phuket can take much longer than three days.
Mr Somchai said that under the new system, business operators and foreign workers will be able to submit applications online 24 hours a day via the ;e-WorkPermit’ platform.
More than 40 service centres will be available across the country to support the new service, along with eight mobile units to reach more remote areas, he said.
Advanced security features, including fingerprint and iris scans, will also be introduced to ensure transparency and verify applicant identities, Mr Somchai noted.
The key benefits of the new system, Mr. Somchai emphasised, include:
* Convenience: 24-hour online application access and nationwide service centres.
* Speed: Reduced processing times and streamlined application steps.
* Transparency: Real-time status tracking and verifiable processes.
* Cost-effectiveness: Reduced administrative costs for both the government and applicants.
* Increased confidence: Enhanced security and accessibility for legal employment.
Phichit Singthongkam, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Employment Office, confirmed to The Phuket News that the system is scheduled to begin accepting new applications and renewals from Aug 1. The official website for online submissions has yet to be announced.
The outsourcing partner will handle the online application process, while local employment offices will simultaneously receive application copies to ensure coordination, Mr Phichit said.
“The Department of Employment is still considering whether the new work permits will be issued in card format with embedded digital information or if the traditional booklet format will remain. A final decision on this is expected by the end of this month,” he added.
In Phuket, a new service branch is already operating at Robinson Lifestyle Chalong. Mr Phichit said that there are currently no plans to open other branches, but did not rule out the possibility.