What are the recent rules for canceling a work visa in Thailand before leaving?

visa cancellation Thailand immigration work permit visa extension expat regulations Thai visa process

Mar 27, 2018

7 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

<update> I successfully cancelled my visa, while still working, last date that my employer stated on the letter is my visa’s last date, 2 weeks in the future. 

See my reply below! <end of update>

Question for Tod and others.

I am leaving my job at the end of my contract, this week. But, our visa admin at the school has said that there is a new policy to canceling the visa. It’s the exact opposite of how I’ve previously done it. So, I wanted to ask for input. 

Previously: cancel work permit, take the little graph to immigration, cancel visa, must leVe by midnight.

Office staff now say: you NEED to take your work permit to immigration with a letter and cancel <edit for clarity> *the visa extension*, in advance. She says it can be done up to 20 days in advance, and whatever date is in the letter, it is the date they will pre-cancel it to. <as your last permitted day to stay>(???).

Last day of work is Friday. Payday is Saturday. I fly out on Monday. Currently have a 1 yr extension and an unused re-entry permit. 1 year left on my current passport. I don’t plan to be in Thailand for the foreseeable future. 

Any RECENT experience that matches what my school admin says. They want me to go to immigration this week.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is exploring the latest procedures for canceling a work visa in Thailand after their employer suggested new rules. They compared previous methods with the advised new approach, highlighting confusion about requiring a letter and the timeline for cancellation. Community responses clarified the process, emphasizing that the work permit cancellation is separate and discussing timing, paperwork needed, and experiences with the immigration process.

Sean *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

So, it worked just like my school admin said.

I went with:

*Letter from school that I have resigned, last day of work 15APR

*1 set of documents - Letter of approval for the school to operate + assorted ID cards for each school official that signed

*1 set of documents- Power of attorney for school director + ID cards of owner and director

*My real passport and typical photocopies

*My real work permit and photocopies of each page with any writing

3 hour wait at ChengWattana immigration

Cost: free

Here’s my new visa stamp

7 years ago

Sean *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Agree that if they didn’t cancel, I’d have trouble.

I accepted an offer in Saudi. I’ll be there next week.

If it works out, I won’t be working here anymore. If it doesn’t, I’ll be back next year on a new passport.

7 years ago

Tod *********

Glad it worked but that's not a visa stamp :/

It's a stamp that says you canceled an extension of stay. It says you were on an extension good until Sept 30th, but you came in on the 29th of Mar and canceled it as of the 15th of April.

It is good to know that you can cancel an extension without canceling the work permit itself and showing the receipt of cancellation. (y)

Now I just hope they really do cancel your work permit. I'd guess when you get another job and try to get a work permit you'll find out for sure ;)

7 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

Dave **********

If you are flying out and not going to overstay then no issue.

Just leave.

It is not like a land border crossing. They will NOT stop or hassle you at the airport on departure (since you are not coming back any time soon).

7 years ago

Glyn *********

Last day Friday....payday Saturday....fly out Monday...

Might be worth asking for your pay on Friday as its your last working day.....

7 years ago

Sean *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have asked. Impossible!

BTW, they’re a good employer. Just not flexible after 40 yrs.

7 years ago

Reply to

Sean *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’m in Bangkok. Work says they’ll cancel the WP themselves. It all sounds so weird, because it’s the opposite of what I’ve needed to do before.

7 years ago

Sean *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I fully expect my trip Thursday to be a waste of time. I’ll report back.

7 years ago

Tod *********

i wouldn't trust the "we'll do it ourselves, no need for you to do it" line :O :/

7 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

she is wrong because the immigration office doesn't have a thing to do with work permits. That's Ministry of Labour's thing.

It's the same way you have done it before.

After you cancel your work permit you can go cancel your extension a few weeks early because they'll date it from the last day you work, so you'd be stamped in until then.

7 years ago

Reply to

Tod *********

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Do I need to cancel my work visa if my work permit expires soon while leaving Thailand?

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