Thailand's Temporary Work Permit Scheme Still Not Operational for Non-BOI Employers
Updated: 54 minutes ago
BANGKOK, October 2, 2026 — Thailand's Department of Employment introduced a Temporary Work Permit for non-BOI employers on 1 July 2026, but the scheme remains non-operational more than three months after its formal launch.
The temporary permit, designated Bor Tor 62 (บต. 62), was designed to bridge the gap between work permit approval and the issuance of the physical E-Work Permit Card. However, as of 30 September 2026, neither the online nor manual application process has been implemented, meaning eligible foreign employees and their employers cannot yet utilize the scheme.
What Bor Tor 62 Was Designed to Do
Under the original announcement, the temporary permit would be issued immediately upon work permit approval, serving as valid proof of work authorization while the employee awaits collection of the physical booklet. This would allow eligible foreign employees to commence work without waiting for the smart card to be produced.
The document would also be recognized for completing government-related procedures, including obtaining a Tax Identification Number, registering with the Social Security Office, and other administrative processes. Employees would still be required to collect the physical work permit booklet once it becomes available.
The Scheme's Scope and Limitations
The temporary permit applies specifically to non-BOI employers filing work permit applications through the E-Work Permit system. It does not apply to work permits issued through the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), which follows a separate application process.
According to Fragomen, the temporary permit is valid for up to 15 days while authorities process the full electronic work permit application. However, industry guidance notes that the notification does not prescribe a fixed validity period for every Bor Tor 62 — the form contains two separate date fields: "Work Permit Valid Until" and "Temporary Work Permit Valid Until".
Why the Delay Matters
For employers, the non-operational status of the temporary permit means the original bottleneck remains: foreign workers cannot commence employment until the physical work permit booklet is issued.
The measure was introduced specifically to address administrative or operational constraints that delayed formal work permit issuance. With the temporary permit unavailable, those delays continue to affect employee mobilization, business continuity, and operational timelines.
Related Compliance Requirements Remain in Force
While the temporary permit scheme is stalled, other requirements continue to apply for employers of foreign workers in Thailand.
Tax Certification, Workforce Quotas and Social Security
As detailed in VisasUpdate's coverage of Thailand BOI's 2026 updates, BOI-promoted companies now face a certified copy requirement for PND 1 or PND 1 Kor withholding tax returns on renewal applications, effective 13 February 2026. Manufacturing companies with more than 100 employees must also ensure at least 70 percent of their workforce consists of Thai nationals, proven through monthly social security documents. Social security contribution certificates must be submitted through the Single Window system.
TM30 Residence Notification
Separately, as explained in VisasUpdate's guide to the BOI TM30 requirement, a TM30 notification receipt must be included for all new, extension, and renewal visa applications filed through the BOI Single Window System. The TM30 must be filed by the property owner, landlord, or hotel manager within 24 hours of a foreign national's arrival, in accordance with Section 38 of Thailand's Immigration Act. Non-compliance can result in a fine of up to THB 2,000 for the foreign national.
Official Resources
Resource | Link |
Thai Department of Employment | |
E-Work Permit Portal | |
Thailand Board of Investment | |
TM30 Online Notification |
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Details |
Scheme Name | Temporary Work Permit (Bor Tor 62 / บต. 62) |
Announced | 1 July 2026 |
Published in Royal Gazette | 9 July 2026 |
Current Status | Not operational |
Applies To | Non-BOI employers via E-Work Permit system |
Would Provide | Proof of work authorization pending smart card issuance |
E-Work Permit System | Operational |
BOI Tax Certification | Mandatory from 13 February 2026 |
TM30 Requirement | Mandatory for BOI visa applications |
For the latest immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/news
VisasUpdate.com – The world's most trusted visa intelligence hub. Unlock 2026 immigration breakthroughs, digital nomad policies, and real-time fee alerts—all in one place.
Bookmark us now: visasupdate.com/news – Stay ahead. Move smarter.
Comments