Work Permit Transfers

[Kalee]

Hello, I need some advice about transfering a work permit (if there is such a thing?) I recently ended my teaching job at a large private school and am now working for a smaller publishing company. The school has not cancelled the work permit yet, and is willing to help me transfer it to the other company. The new company is very small and does not have extensive experience handling work permits for foreign staff (I think). Any thoughts on where I can get some information about this? I've tried searching the internet and the ministry of labour, but was a bit overwhelmed by all the info.

Thanks!

ps - and if the school hasn't cancelled the work permit yet - is this an infraction, since I left more than a week ago?

[Sulaphat]

Hello, I need some advice about transfering a work permit (if there is such a thing?)  I recently ended my teaching job at a large private school and am now working for a smaller publishing company.  The school has not cancelled the work permit yet, and is willing to help me transfer it to the other company.  The new company is very small and does not have extensive experience handling work permits for foreign staff (I think).  Any thoughts on where I can get some information about this?  I've tried searching the internet and the ministry of labour, but was a bit overwhelmed by all the info.

Thanks!

ps - and if the school hasn't cancelled the work permit yet - is this an infraction, since I left more than a week ago?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think that your former employer is obliged to return your WP to the Labor Ministry. The new employer will then have to apply for a new one for you. Since WP's are specific to the employer and position, your work at the new place is probably not legal. Depending upon your immigration status, you may need to leave Thailand and return on a new non-immigrant B visa in order to apply for the new WP. If your stay in Thailand is based upon your employment and your employer returns the WP to the labor department, you may have as little as 7 days to leave the country, as this normally automatically cancels a non-immigrant B extension to stay. I would suggest you contact a specialist in these matters and get professional advice.

[Indo-Siam]

Hi -

The quick answer is - the former employer has 15 days to report your departure, and turn in your work permit. You then have a week to depart Thailand.

You may routinely add a second job to a work permit - and then - when a first job ends, the second job becomes the only job.

The fine for not turning in work permit in a timely manner upon termination of employment is a whopping 1,000 baht for employer, and same amount for you. But - obtaining a work permit for a follow on job can be problematic, if first job was not closed out properly (and they can tell due to lack of receipts for monthly personal income tax withholding payments).

If you want help on a fee basis, my staff can sort this all out - have Thai administrator at new emloyer contact Khun Suphanee ("Ant") at 02-260-3914.

Good luck!

Steve Sykes

Managing Director

Indo-Siam Group

Bangkok

[email protected]

www.thaistartup.com

[Kalee]

Thank you for your advice - I appreciate it. I left my former school on very good terms and the school was up to date on deducting taxes etc. I was just wondering about the legality of transfering a work permit - as I know the WP is attached to your employer and affects your visa. The plan is to all (former employer and new employer) go to the immigration dept. together and sort this out on the 15th.

Thanks again - very helpful!

K