BANGKOK — Thailand will open a 15-day registration window from October 15-29 for an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 undocumented migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, allowing them to legally stay and work in the country for up to one year.
Labour Minister Treenuch Thienthong announced the initiative on October 6, following a Cabinet resolution on August 19, 2025, that approved measures to address labor shortages and bring undocumented workers into the formal employment system.
Targeting Already-Employed Workers
The Department of Employment will launch an online registration system for migrant workers already employed in Thailand but lacking legal status. The 15-day timeframe was set by the Committee on the Management of Foreign Workers, which includes security and economic agencies, to prevent illegal border crossings by targeting only workers currently in the country.
“When employers have legally registered workers who are protected under the law, it contributes to national stability in both the labor market and public security, as well as public health,” Minister Treenuch said. “It also enhances Thailand’s international image in terms of humanitarian values and human rights.”
The Department estimates approximately 338,000 migrant workers are currently unregistered, including those whose work permits have expired or who missed renewal deadlines but continued working. Based on previous registration campaigns, officials anticipate 500,000 to 700,000 workers will register during this period.
Registration Process
Pichet Thongpan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, outlined the registration procedure for employers:
- October 15-29, 2025: Employers must apply for work permits online on behalf of migrant workers and pay relevant fees through a 24-hour system. Proof of application serves as temporary work authorization until December 28, 2025.
- Health and biometric requirements: Employers must arrange health check-ups, health insurance registration, and biometric data collection at Immigration Bureau offices. Cambodian nationals must report to Immigration every 60 days.
- One-year work permit: After completing all steps, the Department will issue work permits valid until October 14, 2026.
- Documentation update: During the one-year period, workers must update or obtain personal records and ID cards for stateless persons with the Department of Provincial Administration.
“Special permission will immediately end if the migrant leaves Thailand, unless they have obtained a passport or travel document and a visa from the Immigration Bureau to stay longer,” Pichet warned.
Applications can be submitted online anytime during the 15-day period, including weekends and holidays. For inquiries, contact provincial employment offices nationwide, Bangkok Employment Offices (Areas 1-10), or the Ministry of Labour hotline at 1506, press 2.
New Digital Work Permit System Launches Oct 13
Minister Treenuch also announced the launch of the e-WorkPermit system, an outsourced service for producing work permits and processing foreign worker applications that will begin operations nationwide on October 13, 2025, at eworkpermit.doe.go.th.
The 24-hour online service will cover all processes—from application submission and status checking to approval and work permit receipt—without requiring direct contact with officials.
“This service aligns with the government’s policy to elevate public services to a digital system, modernizing foreign labor management to be convenient, fast, transparent, and auditable,” Treenuch said.
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