What steps should I take after obtaining Thai citizenship while holding a work permit under my U.S. passport?

Question

I’m seeking advice or insights from anyone who may have gone through a similar situation.

I’ve been living and working in Thailand for the past 17 years as a university instructor. I’m a U.S. citizen and have held a valid work permit and visa throughout my time here.

Recently, I officially obtained Thai citizenship through my mother, who is Thai by birth. I now have my Thai National ID card and have submitted all necessary documents to my workplace so that my employment records are now under my Thai ID instead of my U.S. passport.

Here’s where I’m unsure:
My current work permit and visa (issued under my U.S. passport) are valid until October 2025. I asked my employer what I need to do about closing or canceling them, and they told me I don’t need to do anything—that I should just let them expire since I’m now legally Thai.

That doesn’t sound quite right to me. I feel like there should be some formal process to close out the old visa and work permit under my foreign passport. I’m worried that “doing nothing” might leave a loose end or even a negative mark in the immigration system, especially if I ever need to re-enter Thailand in the future using my U.S. passport (just hypothetically).

Has anyone here been through this process or have advice on what steps I should take? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Ask Thailand · Answer

This post discusses the concerns of a U.S. citizen who has recently obtained Thai citizenship after living and working in Thailand for 17 years. They are unsure about the process of canceling their existing work permit and visa, which are still valid but were issued under their U.S. passport. The community provides various insights, with suggestions to formally cancel the old visa and work permit, ensuring no loose ends in the immigration system, and transitioning fully to being recognized as a Thai national.

Bent ************* · Answer

I’m sure that your employer is right. Relax and enjoy your new citizenship!

Tod ********* · Answer

Post on the Thai Citizenship group and ask

That is the go-to group about people seeking Permanent Residence status and thai nationality

[url redacted]

Tod ********* · Answer

Okay you're mixed up a bit,

First you have to get OFF being a US person here and on to being a thai one

AND

To do that you cancel the work permit/extension you're on now on the US passport, EXIT the country and return (BY AIR) to enter as a thai national (which means you need a thai passport)

Until you do that you're still here as a 'Murican (albeit one who holds thai nationality as well)

John ******* · Answer

Do you need to exit the country on you American passport and then re-enter?

Ally ************ · Answer

You also need to be aware of any employment laws that may be relevant to your transition to a 'Thai' worker.. because you could find your employer terminates you employment as a 'foreigner' and then re-employs you as a 'Thai' and you lose continuity of service.. this could be very important in relation to employee rights and any benefits (company or state) that you may presently qualify for.. but could lose if you are suddenly considered a 'day-1' employee again.. you may want to investigate this aspect further.. and if your employer assures you that there will be no break in your service record you should get that in writing just to be safe!

Gill ************ · Answer

May I also add that if you have paid into the health service from your salary, you should go to their office and check whether you can claim it back, carry it over towards a Thai citizen pension and keep contributing or claim a lump sum and smaller pension.

I chose to take the lump sum. I don’t have Thai citizenship just a pink card.

Just a suggestion

I chose to take the lump sum. I don’t have Thai citizenship just a pink card.

Just a suggestion

Wayne ******** · Answer

Surely asking your local immigration office would be your best bet. Remember, you’re only inquiring about not leaving any loose ends 🇹🇭

Wannikea ********* · Answer

In virtually every non B extension scenario a work permit and extension of stay must be cancelled.

Lloyd ******** · Answer

To be belt and braces, get a letter from your employer stating your last day of employment as ... Oct , then cancel your work permit, then go and cancel your extension, this can be done in advance,

What steps should I take after obtaining Thai citizenship while holding a work permit under my U.S. passport?

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