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Migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar who travel back to visit their families during Songkran must return to work in Thailand within the grace period of 1 April to 15 May 2025.
Thailand's Department of Employment has allowed migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar who have valid work permits to travel back to visit their families during Songkran and return to work in Thailand without having to apply for a Re-Entry Permit, provided that they return within the grace period of 1 April to 15 May 2025.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn added that should workers return after 15 May, they must re-apply for a permit according to the normal procedure. Employers and migrant workers have been instructed to strictly comply with the conditions and to return within the specified period so as not to lose their rights.
This initiative is one of few that the country has enabled during the period of Songkran, including the following:
- The Department of Skill Development has provided free car and motorcycle inspection services for people traveling during Songkran during two periods:
- 1-10 April 2025 at Skill Development Institutes/Offices nationwide
- 11-17 April 2025 at service points on main or secondary roads.
- The Department of Labour Protection and Welfare had asked employers to consider giving employees a day off during Songkran so that both Thai and foreign workers can travel home and participate in traditional activities.
- They have also emphasised the working conditions for vehicle drivers, which include not working more than eight hours per day. In the event that drivers need to work overtime, it must not exceed two hours per day with a letter of consent from the employee. The next day, there must be a break of not less than 10 hours before starting work again.
- The Social Security Office will provide the right for insured persons who are in an emergency during Songkran to receive treatment at the nearest hospital within 72 hours, using only a “national ID card” for faster treatment and connection to hospitals under the Social Security system.
- Insured persons are required to carry their national ID cards at all times during the festive season to protect their rights.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that "All units of the Ministry of Labour are ready to provide full service so that our fellow workers and citizens can travel home safely, enjoy themselves with their families, and return to work with good morale. I wish everyone a safe journey during this year’s Songkran Festival."
In addition, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set up 17 tourist service booths across Bangkok to assist tourists and handle complaints during the Songkran festival.
READ MORE: Thailand's 2025 public holidays: 3 new dates added to boost tourism
Lead image / Ministry of Labour
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