Do I need to carry my original work permit when flying out of Thailand for a short trip?

It’s illegal to take your work permit out of the country. However this is Thailand

I have been asked many times to show it on return. So I always carry it just to in case. Better to have it to Hand than leave it to chance

You cannot take the WP out of the country

I personally wouldn't carry my WP on my vacation trip. And I have never been asked for WP, but I have been asked for valid visa. (I haven't fled with Cathey )Yes I'm aware these are all my personal experience and it doesn't do anything for any of you... But I also personally don't believe any ground staff at an airport in another country would know or understand about WP of Thailand especially those are in Thai and dated with Thai years...

I also doubt immigration care about WP much, they care about valid visa or extension of stay..

Cathay Pacific ask for your work permit ? Never !

Take WP with you. I always have such question on return trips from airlines (Cathay Pacific asked every time)

Never heard of anyone ever being asked for their work permit, because it is to be kept on your person or at the place of work "when working", there is no reason to carry it when you are not at work, no immigration official is going to check a document issued by the Ministry of Labour. Leave it at home and then you won't lose it.

Sometimes they ask. Better take yr original

they shouldn't even ask for a copy when you stamp back into the county but take it along if you want to..