What options do I have after my work permit was canceled in Thailand?

May 17, 2023
2 years ago
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Work permit canceled 2 days ago.

What are my options?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
After a work permit cancellation in Thailand, the affected individual faces immediate options: leaving the country, often within a few days to avoid overstaying penalties, which incur fines starting at ฿500 per day. Depending on the situation, individuals may seek to enter neighboring countries (like Malaysia or Laos) for a new visa or return with a tourist visa. Communication with immigration authorities is crucial, especially if the employer is holding their passport or if there's uncertainty about the cancellation status. Seeking advice from a visa agent can help clarify the best steps forward and address specific cases of visa validity.
Shayne **********
Why check with an agent across from immigration when you were across the road from the actual people that could answer the actual question?
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Got my passport, went to the agent, and they say I have until the end of my 3-month business Visa... Just as a couple people mentioned. Big relief... for now!
Lisa ****
Get a tourist visa or ED visa and of course stop working if you are working here.
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
My plan is to get my passport back first and then go to the visa agent (Colonel) across from immigration. They helped me in the past with an extension (basically just speed up the process) so they can probably advise what to do.
Juan *********************
@Jason *****
is the best approach. Good luck
Micha ***********
Had the same before… you can contact me i can tell you exactly… depending what immigration issued your work permit…you have 7 days to leave the country.. there is no other way… i went cambodia came back on a tourist found new job then they can change from tourist to non b
Micha ***********
I overstayed 2 week so what…. Had to wait in line with 200 chinese .. no one cares pay fine done
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Micha **********
Were you on the initial 3-month work visa when your work permit was canceled - or the 1 year extension?

Some people are saying it's different. Based on my understanding: For the initial 3 months the work permit doesn't matter and I have the full 3 months. For the 1 year extension, you do have to leave the country.
Micha ***********
@Jason *****
well as i said every immigration office is cooking their own recipes… in phuket they said at immigration and every agent whatever said same after it’s cancelled you have to leave… was different with covid extension but covid times are over
Juan *********************
@Micha **********
I agree, every office apply their own rules and special fees. It is very frustrating so it is better for him to ask professionals so help and decide the best option for his specific case and location.
Janin ******
@Jason *****
the moment they cancel your wp, you have 7 days to leave, otherwise you are in overstay!
Paul *******
@Janin *****
It's like this. Once you cancel, the last day you can stay is what it says on your termination letter. This is typically a few days or in some cases up to 2 weeks later. Usually you and the HR department agree on a date and often it's the last day of the month, even if you're terminated earlier in the month.

You can stay up to an extra 7 days beyond that date, if you pay another 1900 Baht.
Janin ******
Paul *******
@Janin *****
You leave Thailand on the day it says on the termination letter which could be the same day you cancel but is usually post dated, allowing you enough time to depart the country. It's not realistic to be stuck at an immigration office canceling a work permit until 5pm and then scurrying out of the country by midnight (10 or 11pm if it's a land border depending on which one you use as none of them 24 hours).
Juan *********************
@Janin *****
I agree. He can also apply to a different visa within the 7 days if he meets requirements.
Micha ***********
@Juan ********************
no he cannot… or whatever but he has to leave the country… believe me i tried everything.. whatever visa he has to travel out first after seven days.. he can stay longer but then he is overstaying 500 baht per day to be paid at airport immigration maximum 40 days after big problem
Paul *******
@Micha **********
Max 90 days actually but best not to overstay even 1 day.
Juan *********************
@Micha **********
my previous work permit was cancelled in Jan 21 and the associate visa (business). I applied to a Thai wife visa within the 7 days, so I got a temporary extension (2 weeks) to evaluate the case, and finally they gave me the new visa without leaving the country. In Chonburi where I live. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

Of course, you have to be married 😂😂
Martinello **********************
Smart visa
Paulina ****
If you didn’t get an extension of 7 days at the immigration on the day that you canceled your worl permit you are currently overstaying, but i’m sure they would tell you that at the immigration office. From that you can’t change to any other visa, if you want to stay in Thailand you need a visa run
Toon **********
@Jason *****
You're a "life coach." Shouldn't you be more prepared and not leave these things to the Facebook what should I do section? You don't sound very Guru-like at the moment Jason. I think I'll pass on your rejuvenation book.
William ************
If Thailand doesn’t welcome or want you why not explore a different country ?
Tom *******
ask chat gpt
Aurelian ****************
go siem reap by land (poi pet) or air and Come back by air 1 day later with visa exemption tourist then visa extension 30d if your nationality allow it
Jim ********
Did you sign a resignation letter? What were the terms of your contract?
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
They told me they canceled it and I don't have any reason at this point not to believe them. I'll see soon enough when I get my passport back...
Jim ********
@Jason *****
Why did they have your passport? They were holding it hostage while you worked for them? Or were they in the middle of getting you an extension? It sounds like you two had a disagreement or you didn't show up to work. What happened for them to cancel it?
Micha ***********
@Jim *******
if permit is cancelled everything to late .. immigration doesn’t care about any contract
Jim ********
@Micha **********
Well, if they didn't cancel it and are just lying to him, he should find out before doing anything. Many employers lie and are lazy.
Micha ***********
@Jim *******
well … that is a different story… i agree … but the way he asked i assumed it’s definitely cancelled
Jim ********
@Micha **********
I don't think there is any proof I have seen yet... Who knows?
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jim *******
Nope didn't sign anything since the initial contract - basically monthly salary
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
No, nothing
Jim ********
@Jason *****
Have they asked you to sign anything recently?
Diane **********
Make sure your visa and work permit are fully cancelled, then do a border bounce to any of the neighboring countries. And then come back whenever you want lool
Jim ********
@Diane *********
I think this is a good idea.
Paul *******
The extension is void from the date it says on the termination letter. It doesn't mean you have to leave the country the same day you cancel your extension. It's what is on the letter.
Stanley *******
Get a job
Daniel *********
Bye 😘
Gordon ************
Andy is waving goodbye, goodbye ✌️
Jay ********
Go to laos or Phillipines. You will be happier
John *******
Good bye Chokh di 🙏
David ********
Bye bye 🙏
Jim ********
Do you have any proof that the work permit was canceled? Or did someone just tell you it was canceled? Usually, you have to go cancel it yourself....did you cancel it?
Dror *********
LOLZ AT THE AMOUNT OF FEAR MONGERING COMMENTS HERE
Lior *******
Master **************
Normally they provide 7 days to leave the county.

Technically if your work permit is canceled the visa is cancelled too. You should not over stay. Please leave the country and in case you need to wind up fully if you are not sure when you are getting your work permit again. You may go to a nearby country and come back with your visa on arrival, I will allow you to have some days here for selling the stuff or other things. .

Good luck.
Bryn ********
Don’t forget to head over to the airport Thai Customs desk before trying to catch your flight. You’ll have to pay for your overstay before they’ll let you go.
JJ ********
5 days to leave Thailand... Go to Malaysia for new visa
Kevin ******
Then go get tourist visa or border bounce exemption 30.days plus 30.days extension
Daniel *******
@Kevin *****
are you still doing the border bounces
Kevin ******
Have you got line or what's app bud
Kevin ******
Where are you
Kevin ******
My last one on 31st if may
Kevin ******
Kevin ******
You got.7.days grace.
Jawahar *********
Visa automatic finished
Delvonte ********
Go to

Immigration and uncancel it or leave the country
Bryn ********
I enjoyed my week in Kuala Lumpur. English is spoke amongst a large segment of the population if you want to carry on interesting conversations without wondering if someone actually understands what you’re saying.
Dennis **********
Go home
Chris ******
If your work permit is cancelled , means your visa was cancelled at the same time. I will advise to take a flight go out and come back on a tourist one or anything else you can find.

You have only less that one week grace period normally to pack up your stuff and go out.
Chris ******
Agree and not agree at the same time. In the situation that your employee asked the cancellation of the working permit , means your business visa is void at the same time.

If this gentleman tried to apply another visa - work , ed or anything while having this visa , he will be charged for overstayed. Im not a lawyer or anything it's only per personal experience.
Steve *******
@Chris *****
Incorrect, a visa isnt cancelled only an extention of stay. You can stay untill a visa expires.
Stephenie **********
5 days to leave the country
Didier ********
Stephenie **********
@Didier *******
his permit was cancelled 2 days ago so 5 days to go 😆
Steve *******
@Stephenie *********
A work permit doesnt determine your stay in the Country. It's down to when his visa expires or his extention of stay expires or is cancelled.
Paulina ****
@Steve ******
Nope, the day it’s terminated is your last legal day in Thailand
Steve *******
@Paulina ***
That's only for the extention of stay NOT a visa. You CAN stay untill the visa expires. How many more times does it need to be explained!
Paulina ****
@Steve ******
i don’t know what i’m missing here… my visa, not extension was valid until 23rd april, my work permit has been terminated 16th of April and i had left the next day without a 7-day extension and i had 1 day overstay that i knew that i would get as i was warned at the immigration that i will have it, so having this experience, yep i still don’t agree with you
Paul *******
@Paulina ***
Sounds a bit strange. Normally, you can stay until the last day mentioned on your termination letter. In most cases it's not the day you go in to cancel the visa and work permit that would be crazy as you would have only hours to leave the country.
Stephenie **********
@Steve ******
your visa is attached to it, trust me I've been therr
Paul *******
@Stephenie *********
Steve Greir is a troll. Don't listen to him.
Stephenie **********
@Paul ******
thanks Paul. He does come across as a muppet. I would assume he's never been to Los and spends to much time in his mums cellar
Steve *******
@Stephenie *********
Your extention of stay is but NOT a visa. You can stay untill a VISA expires.
Stephenie **********
@Steve ******
then my thai book keeper has lied to me over the years
Lye **********
Your WP was cancelled 2 days ago. Your service is not required anymore. Just go home.
Duncan *******
It would depend on where you live on which way it is easiest to get to the airport and then leave the country.
John *******
Why was it cancelled?
Rajiv *******
Normally you have 7 days before you have to leave. You can leave and re-enter again from another country and if you have the requisite skills you can apply for LTR/smart visa once you are back. It takes 30 days to process.
Vikorn ***********
@Rajiv ******
LTR now takes much longer than 30 days. Maybe it took 30 days when they launched the scheme cos there weren't many applications, but now it's about 3 months i heard
Paul *******
@Rajiv ******
It's not a simple process to qualify for either and assuming he just lost his job, then presumably he wouldn't qualify for either of these schemes unless he gets a new job.
Nigel *********
@Rajiv ******
that's not correct. If he's on initial 90 days then can stay untill his last day. If he's on an extension then needs to leave bu midnight the day the wp is cancelled. You're confusing this with the extension denied stamp that costs 1900thb. Op will have to apply for an extension that is then denied. You don't get an automatic 7 days to leave.
Rajiv *******
@Nigel ********
sorry Nigel you may be right here. In my case i was on a non-o while h when canceled only gives you 7 days
Christina *******
leave the country and pay fine. Nothing else you can do cause government checking tax payment of these companies and clear out people. They only want rich people stay.
AxMdob *******
Go to Malaysia make tourist Visa60days ,+30 days extension ,

It will let you time to find another job
Lorenz *************
@Karma *******
where in Malaysia ?
AxMdob *******
@Lorenz ************
penang will be my choice
Lorenz *************
@Karma *******
oh okay. That would be my exit then hehehe
AxMdob *******
@Lorenz ************
good time to enjoy beach and know an other country less expensive
AxMdob *******
@Lorenz ************
look on internet Thai visa

You can do same on lao
Albert ********
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
(Former) employer (boss) is holding my passport and said he will return it in 2 days.
Frank **********
@Jason *****
all info probably on the dark web right now.
Lye **********
@Jason *****
It is illegal for anyone to hold your passport without your consent. You do know that, right?

Quickly get it back and let's hope your former boss didn't use your passport as collateral to a 500mil baht loan.

Good luck!!
John *******
@Lye *********
it's not official your passport that's why but property of your government.
Kev **********
@Jason *****
that can’t do that it’s illegal
Us *****
@Jason *****
This is not the middle east and you are a slave worker. Don't give your passport to your boss.
Milan *******************
@Jason *****
never ever give your passport to someone else.
Regen ********
@Jason *****
its illegal for them to hold your passport
John **********
@Jason *****
never give your passport to anyone.
Ruud ***************
@John *********
indeed 👍
Johanna *********
Henrik **************
Go home 🤷🏻‍♂️
Regen ********
Now u wish that u could also reverse the time, not only reverse aging.😉
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
That's it! I'll just use my time machine! ;)
Joey ***********
Your visa was cancelled 2 days ago too.
Scott *********
Go home
Brook ********
If your work permit was canceled 2 days ago, you have overstayed your visa, owe ฿1000 (2x500), and are now subject to arrest, detention, fine and repatriation. All at your own expense.

Leave Thailand today, and return on a visa exempt entry if you like, and are eligible.
Claus *********
@Brook *******
did you try to be funny or serious. If serious please try not help people that have visa questions and issue. Then more people will be happier people Thanks
Paulina ****
@Claus ********
she is right though
Chris ******
@Brook *******
You are totally on spot that ! Leave and come back on another visa.
Lye **********
@Brook *******
Just about to say the same thing but you beat me to it. 👍
Nigel *********
@Brook *******
it depends if he was on his initial 90 day non b visa or if he's on an extension. If he's on the initial 90 days then he can stay untill the last admitted day . If he's on extension then what you say comes in to force.
Paul *******
@Nigel ********
If he's on an extension it depends what the termination letter says. Almost no one has their extension canceled and forced to leave the same day. That's absurd. Usually you would cancel the visa a week or two before the termination date. You can also apply for a one week extension on top of that last day to stay.
John **********
If you are on an extension of stay and not working you have to cancel it and leave the country. If you are still on an actual visa you can stay until you hit your permitted date
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
I'm on the initial 3-month work visa
John **********
@Jason *****
then you can stay until the permitted date on your stamp in your passport then will need to leave
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Yeah I've heard this from someone else...but they said it's okay - as long as the officer doesn't see my work permit was canceled. Sounds a bit too risky
Paul *******
@Jason *****
You don't even need a work permit to be on a non-B visa. They're not connected. Only the extension is.
John **********
@Jason *****
it doesn't matter if your work permit is cancelled if you are on a real visa as opposed to an extension of stay.
David ********
In and out for a 30 day visa waver stamp then 30 day extension then make your mind up
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