Update on Ongoing Immigration Processing Disruptions in Bangkok

Political demonstrations continue to disrupt immigration processing in the capital, as the Thai Prime Minister declared a city-wide state of emergency on Tuesday. As of Wednesday, January 22, the Immigration Department’s One Stop Service Center (OSSC) has reopened its offices. The Employment Department has moved to temporary premises at the OSSC in Chamchuri Square Building and has also resumed operations.

The Immigration Bureau continues to operate normally at its temporary location on the fifth floor of the Imperial World Ladprao Building on Ladprao Road.

Sporadic closures and service disruptions are expected. The situation in Bangkok is likely to change from day to day and requires regular monitoring and planning.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign National Employees

During this period, companies should continue to plan for delays that will likely result from the temporary closures and relocations of affected government offices. As confirmed by the Employment Department earlier in the week, foreign nationals whose work permits expire during the closure will face no penalties or repercussions, and the Department is expected to grant them a grace period for renewal.

Fragomen is monitoring the events in Bangkok daily and will notify affected employers and foreign national employees as the situation progresses.

Fragomen worked closely with Dej-Udom & Associates Ltd. (Bangkok) to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].