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ResourcesVisa & Immigration LawVisa NewsAre Thai Work Permits Now the Key to Entering Thailand?

Are Thai Work Permits Now the Key to Entering Thailand?

Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing the Thai Work Permit and recent announcements from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Thai Work Permits and the possibility of re-entering Thailand notwithstanding the current restrictions on travel pursuant to Regulations pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a recent article from the Bangkok Post has bangkokpost.com article is titled: Work Permit Holder Boost But no News for Separated Families. Quoting directly: "The Foreign Ministry has informed Thailand's foreign Chambers of Commerce that foreigners who have Work Permits or permission from Thai Government agencies, will soon be allowed to enter the Kingdom." Quoting further:  "Foreigners with Work Permits will be allowed to return once the aviation rules change although spouses and families and not included in the stipulation.”

So first thing to understand. I heard this announcement in real time over the radio here in Bangkok. I was actually in a cab when I heard it. The thing to understand is we have yet to actually see these rules promulgated to be put into effect, but they have been announced We have yet to see these actually officially promulgated.  So understand that while this is coming from a really credible and good source, we have yet to actually see it become hard and fast rule, become hard Fast law. Quoting further: "It is for one group of Non-Thai Nationals, those with Work Permits. We understand that this has not included every group yet but it is one good development said Natapanu Nopakun, Deputy Spokesman of the Ministry.” So again, this is Deputy Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand. Quoting further: We are going to implement step-by-step so please understand the measures that we have to take,” he said “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with the Board of Investment and Ministry of Labour, will consider all requests for entry on a case-by-case basis taking into account urgency and economic importance, among other”, the letter said. So clearly this is an important development during this COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions associated therewith. Foreigners apparently with Work Permits are going to be allowed to re-enter Thailand. 

Now for those of you watching this video who may have a valid Work Permit but your Visa may have expired, it may be a good idea to contact a legal professional as if you think that Border Running is particularly prudent at a time like this you may want to talk to somebody. There may be circumstances where it is a really good idea. I could see various ways in which in which this could be a good idea depending on specific circumstances. As noted they are looking at this stuff on a case-by-case basis and that whole paradigm needs to become integrally linked to anyone's thinking right now about how this is going to operate in a practical sense. It is not a good idea to think of this of any of this in terms of a one-size-fits-all type of paradigm because the overall Immigration apparatus in my opinion is going to be looking at things really on an individual basis especially during this kind of interim period when there is some leeway about letting in for example Work Permit holders but the overall restrictions to the COVID-19 are still on. I urge those watching this video to check out that Bangkok Post article. 

It should also be noted there are other requirements. It is not just having a Work Permit. There are a number of other requirements we are going to get into those on this channel. We are making videos contemporaneously with this one and we will be releasing them as quickly as we can to provide insight to those who are dealing with Immigration matters during this unfortunate situation.