THAILAND – UPDATE on Immigration Offices Affected by Political Protests
As of Friday 24 January 2014, the Employment Department has reopened at a new location, and several other government offices involved in processing immigration applications have been affected by the continuing political protests in Bangkok.
Employment Department
The Employment Department has now moved to temporary premises at the One Stop Service Centre in Chamchuri Square, and has resumed operation.
The Employment Department announced that, during the period its offices were closed, there would be no penalty or repercussion for anyone who continued to work even if their work permit had expired. It is expected that, now the Employment Department has reopened, work permit holders will be given a grace period to renew expired work permits.
Immigration Bureau
The Immigration Bureau has moved to temporary premises on the fifth floor of the Imperial World Ladprao Building on Ladprao Road, where it is maintaining its regular hours and service.
One-Stop Service Center
Both the Employment Section and the Immigration Section were closed but have reopened very recently, although this may change again in the near future.
Action Items
- Expect further delays in immigration processing in Bangkok for the next few weeks. Please factor these delays into your timing for visa and work permit applications.
- Please check back here for updates as the situation in Bangkok continues to develop.
