I am in the process of applying for a WP in Phang Nga. I've got everything sorted out, have a valid Teaching License, Non O visa, medical, etc. Before  I can apply for the WP at the Labour Department, the provincial Education Department needs to sign off some documents.

 

They wish to see and keep my original degrees, wedding certificate, and passport for around 7 business days. 

 

I feel very uncomfortable to hand over my passport during this Covid period, with potential lockdowns, and wonder if anyone has ever heard of this.

 

This will be my 5th WP (other schools), and I never had to give my passport for more than a couple of hours.

Keeping it for 7 days sounds like they plan on sending it out somewhere. Otherwise...just tell them you will make it available on demand when they need it. Certainly they don't need it for 7 24hr periods, likely just for a few copies which should take minutes. Ask them why 7 days....and explain that it is your only legal means of staying in the country...cannot .

I would not hand over original documents in this manner. There is no need for it. If they require the originals, tell them you will bring them in whenever they need them.

A passport belongs to you and the government who issued it.

Photo copies should suffice.

Also under the current state of emergency you are required to have it on your person at all times.

I would say, never leave your passport or other original documents with anyone. copies are all that is required. I would be highly suspicious of this.

I agree with what others have said.  You keep the original documents.  They can make as many photocopies as they want.  The passport stays with you.  Again, they can make as many photocopies as they like.  If stopped by the police and they as to see your passport you will need to be able to show them.  Supposedly a photocopy of your passport info page and current visa is good enough but not all the BIB are up on this.  

Never relinquish your passport to anyone. Ever.

44 minutes ago, timendres said:

Never relinquish your passport to anyone. Ever.

Except you need to when applying for a visa.

Take the originals and good quality colored photocopies to the your local Amphoe, slip them a few hundred Baht and ask them to certify (in Thai) the copies, sign them and stamp the copies with their district Amphoe stamp.