Written by the Thai Legal & Immigration legal team · Last reviewed · Editorial policy
A Thai work permit is valid for a fixed period, commonly aligned with the holder's permission to stay and capped at two years under the current law. Renewal must be filed before expiry; once it lapses, the employee must stop working until a new permit is issued.
Renewal is also the moment the Department of Employment re-checks the employer's compliance — Thai headcount, social security contributions and tax filings. We audit these alongside the visa extension so both are filed in the right order.
What we handle
- Renewal calendar for every foreign employee.
- Employer compliance audit before filing.
- Coordinated visa extension and permit renewal.
- Digital permit update and employee briefing.
How the process works
Step 1
Reminder
Deadline tracked 60 days ahead.
Step 2
Audit
Company and employee documents refreshed.
Step 3
Filing
Visa extension and permit renewal lodged in sequence.
Step 4
Confirmation
New validity recorded and next date set.
Not sure this route fits you?
Get a Free Preliminary Eligibility Review from our licensed team.
Why are applications refused, and how do we prepare?
| Common refusal reason | How we prepare |
|---|---|
| Filed after expiry | We track expiry dates and file in advance. |
Counsel's note
Renewing the visa extension and the work permit in the wrong order can leave a gap. We sequence them deliberately for each office.
Frequently asked
Can I keep working while the renewal is processed?
What if my permit already expired?
Advice by nationality
Why clients choose us
Six licensed Thai attorneys
Including Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
77 provinces covered
Offices in Bangkok and Khon Kaen with field representatives nationwide.
Your passport stays with you
We work from copies and only handle originals for filings you approve.
Honest assessment first
A Free Preliminary Eligibility Review tells you your options before any engagement.
Sources & references
- Department of Employment — checked 2026-11-03
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration decisions rest with the Thai authorities. See our disclaimer.