Southeast Asia's No.2 economy extends work permits for 770,000 foreigners to ease labor shortages

The Thai Cabinet has approved an extension of work permits for about 770,000 migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam in order to ensure an adequate workforce for the manufacturing and services sectors and sustain economic activity.

Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, Deputy Spokesperson of the Thai Prime Minister's Office, announced on July 14 that the decision was made following a proposal by the Ministry of Labor.

The Cabinet also approved two draft announcements submitted by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labor, allowing the foreign workers to continue residing and working legally in Thailand, the second largest economy in Southeast Asia.

People dine at the Mahanakhon Skywalk rooftop in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo by Reuters

This resolution continues measures approved by the Cabinet in November 2025, which set guidelines for managing foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

The original measures were set to expire on Dec. 11, 2026. However, some foreign workers cannot meet the conditions within the set timeframe. Without this extension, their legal status would be affected, impacting government labor management and business operations. Therefore, extending the permission to stay and work is necessary to maintain effective and continuous foreign labor management.

Thai Government data show that as of June 30, around 770,000 migrant workers were eligible under the policy. The extension of work permits will allow them to complete the necessary legal procedures while helping businesses maintain a stable workforce as many sectors of the Thai economy continue to rely heavily on foreign labor.

Alongside the decision, the Cabinet also approved a draft announcement by the Ministry of Interior permitting foreign nationals to remain in Thailand under special circumstances, as well as another by the Ministry of Labor authorizing foreign nationals to continue working in specified cases, ensuring the consistent implementation of the new regulations.

The Thai Government tasked the Ministry of Labor with stepping up public communications to businesses, employers and migrant workers on the eligibility criteria, procedures and implementation timeline for the new measures, facilitating compliance and strengthening the management of foreign workers.