Thailand’s Cabinet has approved an extension of work permits for approximately 770,000 migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, allowing them to continue living and working legally while completing required documentation.
The decision, announced on July 14, followed a proposal by the Ministry of Labour and is aimed at ensuring a sufficient workforce for Thailand’s manufacturing and services sectors, which rely heavily on foreign labour.
Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn, said the Cabinet also approved draft regulations submitted by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour to enable eligible foreign workers to remain in Thailand under the updated framework.
The extension builds on labour management measures first approved by the Cabinet in November 2025, which established guidelines for migrant workers from the three neighbouring countries.
Those measures were due to expire on December 11, 2026, but the government said many workers have been unable to complete the necessary legal requirements within the original timeframe. Without an extension, many would have lost their legal status, potentially disrupting labour management and business operations.
According to Thai government data, around 770,000 migrant workers qualified for the extension as of June 30.
Officials said the move will allow eligible workers to complete outstanding legal procedures while helping employers maintain a stable workforce amid ongoing labour shortages in key sectors of the economy.
Alongside the work permit extension, the Cabinet approved a Ministry of Interior announcement allowing eligible foreign nationals to remain in Thailand under special circumstances, as well as a Ministry of Labour regulation authorising continued employment in specified cases to ensure consistent implementation of the new policy.
The government has also instructed the Ministry of Labour to increase public awareness campaigns targeting employers, businesses and migrant workers. The outreach will provide information on eligibility requirements, application procedures and implementation timelines to support compliance and improve the management of foreign workers.
Thailand has long relied on migrant workers from neighbouring Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam to fill labour shortages across industries including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, seafood processing and hospitality.