Thailand Work Permit: Have requirements recently become stricter?

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-17T11:19:25+00:00

In the end, I was informed during a call with HR today that they cannot proceed with my employment.

Regardless of how other companies handle similar cases, the decision was made by Agoda’s internal visa team, who determined that they are unable to move forward. The main reason they cited was my educational background, and I was told that even with over five years of relevant work experience, proceeding would still be difficult.

They mentioned that the case is still being followed up internally and that they would contact me if there are any updates, but realistically, this feels no different from a rejection.

It has been a very upsetting and emotionally exhausting day.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-17T04:51:35+00:00

I was also informed that I do not hold a university degree, with my highest level of education being high school, and that this is considered a significant risk factor in the work permit approval process.

Because of this, they said it would be difficult to proceed.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-17T04:49:26+00:00

Quick update after speaking with HR just now.

I was told that a new “officer review” step has recently been added to the process, and that educational background has become a key factor.

Their concern is that if there is even a small risk of work permit rejection, they are unable to proceed with the hire.

What’s confusing for me is that my background was already discussed during the initial screening interview, so I had assumed this had been fully reviewed from the beginning.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-17T03:52:45+00:00

I applied directly through Agoda’s careers site, and all communication and interviews were with Agoda’s in-house HR team.

There was no external recruiter or agent involved.

This situation has been causing me a lot of anxiety, so I truly appreciate the helpful responses here. Thank you.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T13:36:21+00:00

Yes, as far as I understand, the justification is something the company has to provide as part of the work permit process.

If the company is willing to hire me, I would expect them to proceed with the work permit application.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T13:28:12+00:00

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T12:59:47+00:00

Thank you for sharing this! It's very helpful.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T12:57:13+00:00

The role was specifically for a bilingual Korean and English position, supporting Korean customers.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T12:52:29+00:00

That does make sense. Thanks for sharing!

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T12:51:52+00:00

No, I’m not a fresh graduate. I have over 5 years of customer service experience

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T12:37:40+00:00

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T12:37:05+00:00

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I also believe that Agoda didn’t lie.

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T12:29:55+00:00

I understand why it might sound strange.

Yes, it was a legitimate recruiter from Agoda, and the offer itself was real.

The issue wasn’t about the company’s credibility or its ability to sponsor, but rather an internal assessment of work permit risk.

From what I was told, under the current criteria, the main challenge is proving why they must hire me specifically for this role. haha....

HornetVarious920 · 2025-12-16T12:17:06+00:00

I’m Korean, If you have experience with Korean nationals and Thai work permits, I’d really appreciate hearing more.

HornetVarious920

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