IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Board of Investment has launched a new Single Window System for companies to apply for digital work permits.

What does the change mean? The digital work permit system is mandatory for BOI companies filing in Bangkok through the One Start One Stop (OSOS) center. Applicants in other provinces will continue to use paper filing systems, except Bangkok, Changmai and Phuket.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate. The Single Window System opened July 31.
  • Visas/permits affected: Work permits and long-term visas.
  • Who is affected: BOI companies filing new or renewal applications in Bangkok, Changmai and Phuket
  • Next steps: All BOI-registered companies filing for new or renewal visas or work permits and other related applications through the OSOS in Bangkok, Changmai or Phuket must use the digital work permit system. Companies are strongly encouraged to attend a training session on the BOI website to learn the complexities of the system.

Background: The BOI announced plans for the Single Window System last September with the goal of implementing it nationwide by October of this year. The BOI’s E-Expert system was shut down during the last week of July to prepare for the introduction of the new system. Applicants may now file visa and work permit applications online and, if successful, will be issued a digital work permit instead of a paper booklet. Employees must use a smartphone to download their work permit, and changes will be automatically updated. Current work permit holders are not required to update to a digital work permit until they need to renew.

BAL Analysis: The Single Window System is expected to eventually streamline procedures for BOI companies by eliminating paper filings and providing electronic issuance and notification of long-term visa and work permit decisions. BAL will continue to report changes to the system as it is rolled out nationwide.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Thailand. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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