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Can I renew my Work Permit in Chiang Mai if my company is based in Bangkok?

Apr 27, 2020
6 years ago
Carrie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi folks, I'd value your advice on my Work Permit renewal. I am registered to work in Bangkok, where my company is based. However, I can work remotely for my job (as has become obvious with the COVID situation!) and as such would like to move to Chiang Mai. Do you know if it is possible to have a work permit renewal done in Chiang Mai so that I can work there for a company based in Bangkok?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation centers around the renewal of a Work Permit (WP) in Thailand while planning to move from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Users discuss recent changes in Thai regulations that allow WPs to be valid nationwide, meaning there is no longer a restriction to work in the location specified on the permit. Comments clarify that individuals can renew their WPs in Bangkok and then move to work remotely in Chiang Mai without needing to change the permit location. Nonetheless, certain companies, especially those not registered with the Board of Investment (BOI), may have specific restrictions regarding cross-provincial work.
Cameron ********
Work Permits no longer have an address in them in Thailand as they are now National. The old days of only being allowed to work from the location in your work permit is finished. This happened in 2019 Please look it up.
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Carrie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Cameron *******
- I thought that was the case - I've found the decree that brought about the change in 2018, but wasn't sure if I was reading it correctly as I'm being told something different. Great to have it reconfirmed on here. Thank you
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Carrie *******
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Carrie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob *****
@Phill *****
- hi guys, sorry to come back to you but my company is still saying this is not possible for me to do. Are there restrictions for certain companies in having WP holders work in different provinces from where the company is registered do you know? Many thanks, c
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Carrie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
Hi there - so I have my WP with me. Good to know that it's not up to them where I work from.
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Carrie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey there @phill rose just saw your question re Boi company - no it's not a Boi company.
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Phill ******
thats why i said ,maybe . it dosnt apply to every one. do you work for a BOI company?
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Phill ******
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Phill ******
you may also be able to get a 2 year work permit now ,since the new ruleing .
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Carrie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That's amazing - thank you ! Your guidance very much appreciated !
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Rob ******
@Phill *****
yes now available. Saves money and the annoyance of renewal
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Rob ******
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Carrie *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rob *****
- thanks so much, that's a relief to know. I will follow up with the company to let them know. Do you know whether that means I can just renew my WP in Bangkok and then explain that I have changed location to Chiang Mai afterwards?
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Rob ******
@Carrie ******
yes can renew in bkk. I think there is no need to notify of the location. But confirm that with staff when renewing.
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Rob ******
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Rob ******
Work permits are now valid for any location or authorized job. They are no longer specific to a location. This changed a year or two ago.
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Rob ******
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