Related: Work permit hub · Non-B visa · Thai company setup · BOI company visa
Two clocks — visa and work permit
Non-B visa and work permit expire independently. Valid visa with expired work permit = illegal work. Valid work permit with expired visa = out of status. Pattaya bar managers and tech workers alike miss WP renewal — Department of Employment (DOE) does not remind you.
Renewal timeline
- Start 60–90 days before WP expiry
- Miss expiry by 90 days — typically full new WP application (medical, company docs, fees from scratch)
- Sync Non-B extension with WP validity — immigration wants WP covering requested visa period
Employer document pack
- Company affidavit, share list, VAT, social security current filings
- BOJ5 / employment detail forms
- Financial statements if DOE requests
- 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee ratio proof OR BOI exemption letter
- Office map and photos — DOE inspection possible
Employee document pack
- Passport + valid Non-B
- Current WP book/card
- Medical certificate within 30 days — Pattaya clinics know WP format (฿300–800)
- Photos
- Degree + translations if role change or first renewal
- Criminal record some nationalities
Chonburi DOE vs Bangkok
Pattaya companies register under Chonburi province DOE. Bangkok HQ companies may hold WP at central office — know which office holds file before walking wrong queue.
Fees (approximate 2026)
WP renewal ฿3,000–3,750/year tier dependent; Non-B extension ฿1,900 separate at Jomtien. Employer often passes costs per contract.
Remote work confusion
Work permit tied to specific employer and role. Remote foreign employer without Thai entity = DTV/LTR territory — not Non-B WP renewal path.
Employer slow with docs? Employer checklist · WhatsApp +66 96 728 6999
WP renewal day sequence
Employee and HR submit to DOE Chonburi — not Jomtien immigration first. After WP renewed, take updated WP to Jomtien for Non-B extension if visa expiring same window. Wrong order wastes days — WP before visa extension typically.
Role change during renewal
Promotion from teacher to manager may require new WP application not renewal — job description must match WP. Salary changes documented.
Company closure mid-renewal
Employer ceases trading — WP cannot renew. Employee must find new sponsor or exit Thailand before overstay. Pattaya hospitality sector seasonal closures catch workers annually.
Visa sync checklist
Before DOE appointment confirm Non-B expiry date on passport — renewing WP on visa expiring in 20 days creates race. Extend visa first if WP valid longer, or renew both same week with employer HR coordinating dates.
Foreign employee termination before renewal
Employer terminates before WP expiry — WP cancelled, visa must change within grace period or exit. Employee cannot renew own WP without employer signature — know labour law basics.
DOE appointment booking
Chonburi DOE may require online queue ticket — employer HR books slot. Walk-in without appointment turned away peak season March and November teacher renewal waves.
Pattaya hospitality workers: WP tied to one employer — second job illegal even if both employers willing. Side gig without WP update risks raid fine on employee and venue.
Keep every WP renewal receipt — next year DOE asks prior WP number and employer tax ID matching exactly.