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Do I need to extend my work permit before extending my visa in Thailand?

Mar 23, 2025
11 days ago
Son *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Do you need to extend your work permit before you extend your visa? Or can you do the visa extension first?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
In Thailand, it is generally necessary to extend your work permit before applying for a visa extension. The work permit serves as the basis for the visa extension, meaning that you usually need to have a valid work permit in place for the visa to be renewed. However, some individuals have reported successfully obtaining a visa extension first, followed by handling the work permit renewal through their HR department.
Wannikea *********
Work permit first, it's the basis on which the visa extension is granted.
Son *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I did the visa ext first ๐Ÿ™
Mike ********
@Wannikea ********
In Chiang Mai I have done it both ways with no issues.
Wannikea *********
@Mike *******
did you get the initial 90 day visa or the extension first? Typically you'd first get the visa, then work permit then extension.
Mike ********
@Wannikea ********
I had already been on annual extensions for 30 years for working at the university. So my experience is on renewing the extension and the WP. ๐Ÿ™‚
Henry *********
I've usually done it the other way round. Get the new Extension, then my HR officer goes to MOL to get the new WP stamp (without me having to be there!).
Tod *********
Unless I'm mistaken (which I could be) you get the initial work permit, the 90 day Non-B visa. You go back to Ministry of Labour get the work permit extended for a year, then go to the immigration office and apply for the new extension
Son *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thank you Tod. ๐Ÿ™ I have had both for a year now, and I'm doing the extension again.
Lloyd ********
I have always done the WP first
Tod *********
i believe you do the work permit first, BUT someone who knows the process will weigh in I'm sure.
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