Thailand keeps paper filings open for now

Thailand has pushed back the full switch to e-Work Permit filings until July 28, 2026 after ongoing technical problems with the online system. Employers and foreign workers can still submit paper applications for new permits, renewals, cancellations and amendments, but only when they can show system errors such as screenshots.

The digital platform has been mandatory for new applications since Oct. 13, 2025, but manual filing has now been extended several times, including deadlines set for Jan. 28 and April 28 before this latest delay. After July 28, the process is supposed to go fully online through the Department of Employment portal.

Who the delay affects

The extension matters most for skilled foreign workers on Non-B, LTR, Smart or BOI visas who need work authorization in Thailand. It also affects expats and digital nomads employed by Thai companies, especially those waiting on renewals during the rollout.

All company types must comply, including BOI-promoted firms. Phuket alone reported backlogs for more than 130,000 workers in March because of system issues, while some migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam got separate renewal extensions through March 31.

What applicants need to do next

Employers must register their companies and verify directors through the ThaID app before staff can apply. Applicants then upload documents online, including a passport, visa, contract and medical certificate, pay fees and book biometric verification at service centers.

Manual filings are still limited to cases with proof of platform errors, so screenshots matter. Digital processing is meant to take about 7 to 12 days and fees remain around 900 to 3,000 baht depending on the permit type. Read our full Thailand guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates feed for more policy changes.