Thailand – New Online System Launched
The Board of Investment (BOI) launched a new online visa system, called the Single Window for Visa and Work Permit System, for BOI registered companies to ease the visa application process for visas, work permits, and renewals.
Once an application is lodged and approved, an email would be sent to the applicant to book an appointment to collect the visa from the issuing authority. Previously, applicants had to wait at the Immigration Authority to receive their visa and work permit.
The new system will issue an electronic work permit rather than the current work permit booklet. The applicant must visit an employment office in Chiang Mai, Phuket, or the One-Stop Service Center in Bangkok to collect the digital work permit. A photo and digital signature would be required at the time of collected the permit.
The new system will be implemented in phases beginning October 1, 2017 and will become mandatory throughout Thailand by October 2018.