Thailand: New Rules for Some Job Roles under Board of Investment Oversight

Update - November 27, 2024: The BOI has reduced the validity period of renewed BOI-work permits to one year (down from two years) for foreign nationals who work with e-commerce, software, digital technology services and digital content development companies. For the next work permit and visa renewal of these workers, BOI companies must submit a request to cancel the existing specified position and obtain approval for a new position and employment. Foreign nationals in technology expert positions who meet the current salary requirements will still be eligible to renew their work permits for up to two years.  

October 1, 2024: The Board of Investment (BOI) now exempts foreign nationals holding the title of president, chief executive officer, chairman, or managing director from age and experience requirements previously required for work permits for BOI-approved companies. Additionally, new requirements have been introduced for engineers and those in digital technology roles, including higher minimum salary requirements and stricter educational and experience requirements. For initial applications, applicants must submit an employment contract that clearly indicates the required monthly salary and is signed by both the local employer and the foreign employee. For renewal applications, applicants must submit a withholding tax document (PND1) for the last three months which shows the applicant’s name and the monthly salary requirement.  As a result of these changes, employers will need to ensure that candidates meet the new qualification standards for engineers and digital technology specialists, and should adjust the salaries of those affected during the hiring process.