Terminating employment for a foreign worker in Thailand requires coordination between the employer, employee, the Ministry of Labor, and Immigration Bureau. Delays in documents can lead to fines or visa complications.

Overview

When a foreign worker's employment ends, the employer must cancel the work permit within 15 days. Following that, the Non-Immigrant “B” visa must be canceled, and the employee must leave Thailand within 7 days unless they apply for an extension or transfer their visa.

Employer’s Responsibilities

1. Submit a Cancellation Request

   • File at the Office of Foreign Workers Administration or Provincial Employment Office.

   • Must be within 15 days; late submissions face fines up to 20,000 THB.

2. Required Documents

   • Submit two copies of the cancellation form, the original work permit, a company registration certificate (≤6 months), employer’s ID, and a Power of Attorney (if applicable). All documents must be signed and stamped by the authorized representative.

3. Notify Immigration

   • Inform the Immigration Bureau right after the work permit is canceled to invalidate the employee’s visa.

4. Online Notification (Optional)

   • Use the E-Inform Application for online termination notification.

Employee’s Responsibilities

1. Return the Work Permit

   • The employee must return the original work permit during the cancellation process.

2. Cancel the Visa

   • Visit Immigration Office the same day the work permit is canceled to cancel the Non-Immigrant “B” Visa.

3. Plan Departure or Extension

   • Leave Thailand within 7 days unless an extension or visa change is approved.

Documents Checklist

For Employer:

• Work permit cancellation application (2 copies)

• Original work permit

• Company registration certificate (≤6 months)

• Employer’s ID or work permit

• Power of Attorney

• Representative’s ID copy

For Employee:

• Work permit cancellation form (2 copies)

• Employment termination letter (2 copies)

• Original work permit

• Passport

• Power of Attorney (if applicable)

• Representative’s ID copy

Special Cases

• LTR Visa Holders: Cancellation must be done through their online LTR visa account.

• Severance Pay: May apply under certain conditions; not required during probation or for legally defined causes.

Where to Submit

In Bangkok:

• Office of Foreign Workers Administration

• Immigration Division 1, Chaengwattana

In Other Provinces:

• Provincial Employment Office

• Local Immigration Office

Timeline Summary

• Cancellation Submission: Employer - Within 15 days after last workday

• Notify Immigration: Employer - After cancellation

• Visa Cancellation: Employee - Same day as cancellation

• Departure: Employee - Within 7 days unless approved for extension

Key Takeaways

• Employers must act within 15 days to avoid fines.

• Employees must cancel their visa and depart within 7 days.

• Signed and stamped documents are essential.

• LTR visa holders follow a separate process.

• Severance pay is conditional.

Pro Tip: If planning to continue working in Thailand, initiate a new visa or work permit application immediately after cancellation to maintain legal status.