Pattaya expats can now apply for work permits online with quick biometric processing and card issuance — a modern upgrade bringing ease and convenience to their daily lives. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Expats working in Pattaya can now breathe a little easier thanks to Thailand’s new “e-Work Permit” system—a streamlined, digital platform that allows foreigners to apply for work permits anytime and anywhere online, according to the Ministry of Labor. This one-stop online service dramatically reduces processing time and paperwork. Applicants can fill out their forms, verify documents, and schedule appointments through the website https://ewp.doe.go.th/. At any of the more than 40 Foreign Work Permit Service Centers nationwide—including those in Pattaya—biometric data is collected and work permit cards are issued in about 12 minutes, making the whole process quicker and more convenient. The Ministry of Labor’s move to modernize public services through this digital initiative aims to improve efficiency and reduce hassle for expats who previously faced lengthy and complicated procedures. Many expats have welcomed the change but also voiced hopes for further improvements. Some suggest it’s time to replace the old work permit book with a sleek plastic card similar to an ID card. Others note that workers employed by companies with BOI privileges already enjoy digital work permits without the need for physical books, and they hope this system expands to more employers. There are also calls to simplify bureaucracy further by eliminating the 90-day reporting requirement altogether. For expats in Pattaya, the e-Work Permit system offers a tangible step toward hassle-free living—saving time, reducing stress, and helping them focus more on work and life in this vibrant coastal city.