File work permit renewals early, says new PPEO Chief

PHUKET: The new Chief of the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO) has called for holders of work permits to apply for renewals at least three working days before their current permit expires.

Nataya Anudit, who took over as PPEO chief two weeks ago, told the Gazette that the reminder aims to reduce the number of foreigners whose work permits needlessly expire due to misunderstandings about the renewal process and the length of time it takes.

Many of the 6,300 foreigners holding work permits in Phuket are still laboring under the mistaken belief that the expiration of a work permit can be dealt with by simply paying a fine, as one does for overstaying an Immigration permit to stay, K. Nataya said.

However, people seeking to continue work in Thailand after their work permits have expired must submit and pay for a new application, then wait for it to be processed and approved. In some cases that process can take months, during which the applicant is strictly forbidden to work.

“If the work permit expires, the whole application process needs to be repeated and all the associated fees paid. This wastes time, not only for the applicant but also for our staff and the Vice Governors, who have to review and approve the applications,” she said.