IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Thai officials no longer require medical certificates from work permit applicants for companies under the Board of Investment (BOI), Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) or Department of Mineral Fuels (DMF).

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The change has been in effect since Oct. 9, 2019.
  • Visas/permits impacted: New work permits and work permit renewals.
  • Who is impacted: Companies under the BOI, IEAT or DMF that are submitting applications for work permits for foreign employees.
  • Impact on processing times: The change may not impact processing times but will save time and costs associated with having foreign employees complete a medical check-up.

Background: In August, Thailand began requiring work permit applicants under BOI, IEAT or DMF to submit a medical certificate to support their work permit applications. Previously, these applicants were exempt from this requirement. The Employment Department has reversed this policy again and will no longer require the medical certificate for work permit applications for companies under BOI, IEAT or DMF.

Analysis & Comments: The change will ease the application process for companies under BOI, IEAT or DMF. All other applicants will still be required to obtain and provide medical certificates when applying for new work permits and work permit renewals.

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