Expats who work—or want to work—in Thailand were jubilant in the spring of 2018. Things were going to be easy—and free. One could just start working, and report electronically within 15 days. But these significant changes have not materialized. 

 

The large Bangkok law firm Tilleke & Gibbins published an article («Relaxation of Work Permit Requirements in Thailand») on the 24th of May 2018. The article drew great attention among expats in Thailand, who thought most of the red tape regarding working here now would be abolished.

 

But the changes have yet to appear in practice. One was supposed to be able to register changes in employment status online, and it was supposed to be free of charge. Employers were supposed to be allowed to just hire people, as long as they reported it online within 15 days. Likewise with changes regarding place of work and type of work.

 

We contacted the author of the article at Tilleke & Gibbins, attorney Penrurk Phetmani, and asked:

 

"So it is now possible to start work first, and apply for Work Permit later (before 15 days has passed). Do you know if this policy has been implemented yet?"

 

"The answer would be “No”. Please be advised that the work permit must be first obtained before commencing the work."

 

"What is the web address of the online site where one can register change in things like Type of work and Location?"

 

"We have discussed/confirmed with the Department of Employment on this point. According to the DOE, it is likely that they only accept the add of employer (if the applicant works for more than one company). The online registration is still not function and they accept actual application submission."

 

On June 30th another article on the subject appeared, this time from the website Phuket News. The author was the American partner in the law firm Duensing Kippen in Phuket, Mr. Jerrold Kippen, and the article was titled "Working without a work permit now possible". He also reported that one could now just start working, as long as one reported online within 15 days. The following month (july 29th) he published a follow-up article, where he wrote "As a consequence, any foreigner who has a work permit in Thailand may now, work anywhere, for anyone (including themselves), under any conditions, and do any type of work, that is not excluded by the Official List."

 

We contacted Mr. Kippen and asked: "Which of the changes you reported on this summer have come into effect, in your experience?". We have not yet received a reply. 

 

These articles were subject to many comments from expats in Thailand on sites like the web forum Thaivisa. Some expats with long tenure in Thailand were skeptical, but the general feeling seemed to be elation that finally much of the red tape would be gone.

 

Our reporting supports the statement of the Tilleke & Gibbins attorney. We can find no evidence that there has been a change in how the local immigration offices conduct their business. The usual red tape is still in place, and the fees seem to be the same as before.

(© Thailands Tidende)