October 6, 2025, at 10.00 hours – Ms. Trinuch Thienthong, Minister of Labour, presided over a press conference announcing the launch of the “e-WorkPermit” system, part of the Outsourcing Service Project for producing work permits and providing application and employment notification services for foreign workers. Joining the event were Mr. Samat Pattamasukon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, Lt. Cdr. Saroj Khomkhai, Director-General of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, Ms. Bunyawee Khaipan, Second Lieutenant Somsak Promdam, Mr. Sibmuenchai Phothisin, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-Generals, and other senior executives. The event took place at the press conference room, 5th floor, Ministry of Labour.
Ms. Trinuch announced that the Ministry of Labour has developed the “e-WorkPermit” electronic work permit system to provide round-the-clock online service (24 hours a day). The system covers every step of the process, from submitting applications, checking status, and receiving approvals to obtaining the work permit, without the need for in-person contact with officials. This initiative aligns with the government’s digital transformation policy to elevate public service efficiency. The “e-WorkPermit” system is a key component of the Outsourcing Service Project, which aims to modernize and streamline the management of foreign labour in Thailand, making the process more convenient, transparent, and verifiable. The service will officially launch nationwide on October 13, 2025, through the website eworkpermit.doe.go.th.
Ms. Trinuch added that the Department of Employment has established 54 work permit service centers nationwide to support the new system. These include 40 Work Permit Service Centers for Foreign Workers, 5 Entry and Termination Centers, 8 Mobile Service Units, and 1 Operations Supervision and Control Center.
Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, stated that this project marks a significant transition toward a fully integrated digital system for migrant labour services. Under this framework, the government serves as the regulatory authority, while private contractors are responsible for providing services and carrying out all operational procedures within the established guidelines. The e-WorkPermit system helps to reduce paperwork, simplify procedures, and lower service costs for users. It also enhances transparency, supports the government’s policy to combat illegal employment, and facilitates the creation of an integrated migrant labour database that can be accessed and utilised by relevant agencies.
The operational process is clearly defined as follows: Starting from registration, users can register and access the system to submit applications for work permits or to notify employment details of migrant workers online, 24 hours a day, from anywhere. After submitting the application and paying the processing fee, applicants can track the document verification process and will be notified of the results via email, SMS, or Line Official Account. Once approval is granted, applicants can pay the permit fee and book an appointment online, selecting their preferred service centre, date, and time. Applicants then visit the selected service center to verify their identity and collect the approved work permit, which is validated through biometric technologies such as facial, iris, and fingerprint scans, ensuring both data security and accuracy. Companies authorised to recruit migrant workers for employment in Thailand (licensed recruitment agencies) were able to register in the system and verify their profiles from October 6, 2025, while migrant workers and employers have been able to register and submit work permit applications since October 13, 2025.
Employers and business operators seeking further information can visit the website eworkpermit.doe.go.th, the Facebook page: DOE e-WorkPermit, or contact the Ministry of Labour hotline 1506 (press 2 for the Department of Employment).
