A quick question, anyone knows when is the earliest we can renew the Work Permit? Can it be renewed 2 months before expired? Because I will be having a long overseas trip and my WP will be expired during my overseas trip.

Depends a bit on the office, mine allows it only 10 working days before the expiry date, but I would just explain it and try it.

Edit:

If not, you can sign a power of attorney so others can do it on your behalf when you are away.

Edited March 21, 201313 yr by Mario2008

Thank you for your input. But I don't think it's possible to assign someone to do it when I am away, because they need my passport to renew the WP?

"...because they need my passport to renew the WP?"

Don't they just need a copy of your passport?

There are a bunch of forms you have to sign, but if your company is on the ball they could have you do that before you leave.

If Immigration is involved in the extension-process, a passport is needed.
Depending on Labor-office and Immigration, they may extend your WP-status until one month after your return.

Thank you for your input. But I don't think it's possible to assign someone to do it when I am away, because they need my passport to renew the WP?

Here is a link to the WP5 renewal form including Power of Attorney to allow some one else to apply - note only a copy of the passport is required to apply.

http://wp.doe.go.th/sites/default/files/form/form_tt5.pdf

My office on Samui wants to see the original passport.

Ask your labour office, they might accept a certified copy by for example the amphur or by themselves. Se what they can do for you, labour offices are often very helpful.

Thank you all. I'll consider those ways. By the way, last year they asked for my original passport though. A certified copy might work.