I'm looking for general information on the rules for work permits for Lao PDR citizens in Thailand.

A Lao woman I know works at a restaurant in Bangkok and has a work permit. But her work permit is just a card, not a passport-type book like mine is. She also has to get blood tests in relation to her work permit (perhaps because she works in a restaurant?).

So out of curiosity, I'm wondering what the rules are regarding her work permit as opposed to the typical farang work permit. Thanks for any info.

Citizens of the coutries bordering Thailand can get a special temporary work permit. Not sure what all the rules are.

From the 2008 Working of Aliens Act.

Section 14. An alien having a residence and is of nationality of bordering country, and entering the Kingdom with a document in lieu of passport under the law on immigration may be permitted to

engage to temporarily work in the Kingdom for some kind of businesses in any particular period of time

Source: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/post-a58931-.html

Maybe that's it. I know she reports to the back of the immigration building at Soi Suan Plu, rather than the front as we do. Also she has changed jobs at will, her new boss just went in with her, not a lot of paperwork involved. She does have a passport though, so section 14 wouldn't apply according to a strict reading.

There are probably additional rules for them so I would guess having a passport would probably not make much difference or even make it easier.