I recently got a job in Phuket and was told a work permit would cost 20,000 baht to obtain. After a quick google search it looks like it’s actually 3,000 for a 1 year work permit. I was told the increase in price is due to an agency doing the paperwork. However, 17,000 for paperwork sounds excessive. Am I being swindled or is this accurate? 

 

Also is the work permit price supposed to be covered by the employer or the employee?

 

thanks guys!

Edited December 13, 20196 yr by Phuket Mafia

It's supposed to be covered by the employee however some will want you to pay. 20.000 is over the top. WP should only be 3 to 5 at the max. 

You're off to a great start in your new job...

The employer should pay the cost, and afaik it's about 3000 THB as you figured out already.

If they already start like this you better start looking for a new job now.

11 minutes ago, Dominion said:

It's supposed to be covered by the employee

You mean the employer...?

Not unreasonable for a legal firm to charge that amount. But I would explain to the company that hiring such an expensive agency and then expecting you to pay for it is absurd.

 

Ultimately though, its up to you. If you want the job, and they won't pay, then you can either pay for it yourself, or you can find a new job. You might also suggest to them that you will apply yourself at the government office and that there is no need to hire the agency. It's not that difficult.

 

Personally, if a company wouldn't pay for the work permit, I'd simply walk. It's extremely unprofessional and a very bad sign.

 

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

It definitely sounds fishy. I pressed the issue to my manager and was told it was for “bribes and what not”. He told me the paperwork was too hard for me to do on my own. I may have to look for employment elsewhere.

Employer should pay, if they don't refuse the job. 

Considering its at least two trips to the labour office with reams and reams of copying, 20k inclusive is about the going rate although at the top end. If you don't want to pay anyone, do it yourself...Employer usually pays full cost for WP.