KUALA LUMPUR – Thailand's Cabinet has approved an extension of work permits for about 770,000 migrant workers from Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam to ensure an adequate workforce for the country's manufacturing and services sectors.
Deputy government spokeswoman Phatdarasmi Thongsaluaykorn said the decision followed a proposal by the Ministry of Labour and includes two draft announcements by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour to allow eligible foreign workers to continue residing and working legally in Thailand, as reported by Vietnam News.
The measure builds on a Cabinet resolution approved in November 2025, which established guidelines for managing migrant workers from the three neighbouring countries.
The original measures were due to expire on December 11. However, the government said some migrant workers would be unable to complete the required legal procedures before the deadline, making an extension necessary to avoid disruptions to labour management and business operations.
According to Thai government data, about 770,000 migrant workers were eligible under the policy as of June 30.
The extension will allow workers to complete the necessary documentation while helping employers maintain a stable workforce, as many sectors of the Thai economy continue to rely heavily on migrant labour.
Alongside the decision, the Cabinet approved a draft announcement by the Ministry of Interior permitting eligible foreign nationals to remain in Thailand under special circumstances, as well as a draft announcement by the Ministry of Labour authorising them to continue working in specified cases.
The government has also instructed the Ministry of Labour to strengthen public awareness efforts by providing businesses, employers and migrant workers with information on the eligibility criteria, application procedures and implementation timeline to facilitate compliance and improve foreign worker management.
