Thailand Work Permit Medical Certificate: Requirements & Guide

Applying for a work permit in Thailand involves more than just paperwork – you’ll also need a medical certificate. This certificate confirms you are healthy and free of certain diseases, as required by the Thai Ministry of Labor. In this guide, we’ll explain what the medical certificate is, why it’s needed, what health checks are involved, how to get one (including typical costs and process), and provide examples of hospitals/clinics in major Thai cities that offer work permit medical exams.

Why a Medical Certificate is Needed for a Work Permit

Thailand’s labor regulations mandate that all foreign work permit applicants provide a medical clearance certificate. This is to ensure the applicant does not pose public health risks and is fit to work. In August 2019, the Ministry of Labor made it compulsory for all new work permit applications (and many renewals) to include a medical certificate issued by a Thai-licensed physician. The certificate must be recent (typically issued within one month of the work permit application date) and formally states that you are free of certain prohibited diseases. Essentially, it’s proof that you meet the health requirements to work in Thailand.

Health Conditions Screened (Checklist of Diseases)

The medical certificate must confirm that you do not have any of the following six conditions, which are explicitly listed in Thai law for work permit applicants:

• Leprosy – A chronic infectious disease that can cause skin lesions and nerve damage.

• Tuberculosis (TB) – Contagious lung infection (often screening focuses on active pulmonary TB).

• Elephantiasis (Lymphatic filariasis) – A parasitic infection that can cause extreme limb swelling.

• Drug addiction – Dependence on illicit drugs (the exam ensures you’re not a substance abuser).

• Chronic alcoholism – Severe alcohol addiction (ensuring the applicant is not an alcohol dependent).

• Syphilis (third-stage) – Late-stage syphilis infection. (Note: Syphilis is specifically tested via blood test during the work permit health check.)

These are sometimes referred to informally as the “six prohibited diseases” for work permits. The examining doctor will certify that you show no signs of these conditions. (In practice, mental illness or other serious health issues that could impede work might also be noted, but the above six are the ones explicitly required by law.)

How and Where to Get a Work Permit Medical Certificate

You can obtain the work permit medical certificate in Thailand at any hospital or qualified medical clinic that has a licensed physician. Most private hospitals, international clinics, and even many government hospitals offer this service – just tell them you need a “medical certificate for a work permit.” The certificate must be issued by a Thai-licensed doctor at an authorized facility to be accepted, so you cannot use a foreign-issued certificate.

Typical providers: General practice clinics and hospital outpatient departments handle these exams. Many large hospitals have dedicated Health Check-up Centers or Preventive Medicine departments where they conduct work permit physicals. At smaller clinics, the general practitioner on duty will perform the exam and tests.

When you arrive, mention clearly that it’s for a work permit so the staff know which tests to do. The clinic/hospital will then conduct the specific screenings (including the lab test for syphilis). Some clinics advertise this as a package often called a “Work Permit Health Check.” For example, one clinic in Bangkok notes that they offer same-day work permit medical check-ups (with a blood test for syphilis) and can issue the certificate in 10–15 minutes. In short, it’s a quick process at many clinics.

Validity: Once issued, the certificate is usually valid for a short period. The Ministry of Labor generally requires it to be recent (within 30 days of your application filing). (According to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health guidelines, a medical certificate is valid for up to 60 days, but for work permit purposes you should obtain it close to your application date to be safe.)

What to Expect: Process and Documents Needed

Getting a work permit medical certificate is straightforward. Here’s the typical process and what you should prepare:

1. Register/Check In: Upon arrival, you’ll fill out a form and show identification. Bring your passport. The clinic will likely make a copy of your passport info page for their records. Many places require an original passport or a clear copy (some accept a digital image) for ID verification. You generally do not need passport photos for the medical check itself (photos are required later for the work permit application, not for the health exam).

2. Medical History and Basic Exam: A nurse or staff will take your vital signs – blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height. The doctor will ask brief questions about your medical history and any symptoms, focusing on the six prohibited diseases (e.g. any TB symptoms, past treatment for those illnesses) and general health.

3. Laboratory Test: A blood test for syphilis is usually required. This is a quick blood draw to ensure you don’t have third-stage syphilis. The result is often ready within minutes (many clinics use a rapid syphilis test). In some cases (particularly at hospitals), an X-ray might be done to screen for tuberculosis – this isn’t always required for every applicant, but don’t be surprised if a chest X-ray is part of the process to check for TB. A simple eye exam or reflex check might be done, but generally the exam is very basic. (For a work permit, drug addiction and alcoholism are assessed by history/observation rather than specific tests – you won’t have a drug test unless specifically requested by the doctor or your employer.)

4. Doctor Consultation: A licensed physician will perform a quick physical check-up and review your test results. This usually takes just a few minutes if everything is normal. They are essentially verifying you show no signs of the disqualifying conditions. It’s often very cursory – for example, the doctor might quickly listen to your heart/lungs, check your lymph nodes, skin, etc., and confirm you have no symptoms of TB or leprosy, etc.

5. Certificate Issuance: If all is clear, the doctor will sign the medical certificate form, certifying you are free of the six diseases. The clinic/hospital will stamp it with their official seal. You will typically receive the certificate on the spot, often within the same visit. In total, the process can be as quick as 10–30 minutes at many clinics (plus any waiting time). For example, at one Bangkok clinic the entire procedure (registration, blood test, doctor exam, paperwork) is done in about 15 minutes.

6. Payment: You’ll pay the fee before leaving (cash or card is usually accepted). See the next section for typical costs.

Note: In most cases, the certificate will be issued in English and Thai (especially at international hospitals or clinics that cater to foreigners). It will explicitly state the phrase that you are free from leprosy, TB, alcoholism, drug addiction, elephantiasis, and third-stage syphilis (often using formal medical language). Keep this original document safe – you’ll need to submit it with your work permit application. (Make a photocopy for your records if desired, but the labor office will usually want the original with the doctor’s signature and hospital stamp.)

Also, remember to bring the certificate along with other documents for your work permit application. Typically, you or your employer will need to submit: your passport copies, visa copy, passport-sized photos (usually 3 photos of size 3×4 cm, taken in the last 6 months), your educational certificates, and other forms, along with this medical certificate. The medical certificate is just one piece of the application packet, but an essential one.

Cost of the Medical Certificate

The cost for a work permit medical exam and certificate can vary depending on where you go, but it’s generally inexpensive:

• At local clinics or government hospitals: Often in the ฿200–500 range. For instance, some small clinics charge around 300 baht for a work permit health check. In Hua Hin, one private hospital charges 400 baht for a similar certificate (that price was quoted for a driver’s license medical certificate).

• At private international clinics: Typically around ฿500–700. Many expat-focused clinics in Bangkok and Chiang Mai fall in this range. For example, a clinic in Chiang Mai advertises the work permit medical certificate (including the syphilis blood test) for about ฿570. Another clinic in Bangkok charges ฿550 for the work permit certificate.

• At large private hospitals: Possibly higher, roughly ฿600–1,000 in some cases. Big hospitals might include more tests (like an on-site chest X-ray) which can raise the price. However, even top-tier Bangkok hospitals often price the basic work permit check modestly – e.g. one report noted Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok did a work permit check-up for around ฿675. Expect anywhere from a few hundred baht up to around one thousand baht at the high end. (Extensive check-up packages cost more, but those aren’t required for a standard work permit.)

In summary, this isn’t a huge expense – budget around ฿300-฿700 in most cases, which includes the doctor’s exam and lab test. The fee usually covers the certificate and any routine tests (if an X-ray is needed, it might cost extra, but most standard cases don’t require additional fees beyond the package).

Tip: If cost is a concern, you can go to a government hospital or a small clinic where it may be cheapest (as low as ฿200-฿300). If convenience and speed are priorities, an international clinic might be worth the slightly higher fee since they cater to foreigners and often have minimal wait times. In any case, no need for an expensive comprehensive check-up – you just need the specific work permit clearance.

Where to Get a Work Permit Medical Certificate – Examples by City

To help you get started, here’s a list of example hospitals and clinics in various Thai cities that are known to provide medical certificates for work permits. All of these are established facilities; you can contact them or walk in to request a “work permit medical certificate.” (Always bring your passport for ID.)

• Bangkok: BLEZ Clinic (Asoke & Phrom Phong) – A private clinic popular with expats, offering fast work permit medical checks (around ฿550, includes syphilis test). MedConsult Clinic (Thonglor) is another reputable clinic that provides work permit health certificates (screening the required six diseases). Major hospitals like Bumrungrad International Hospital or Bangkok Hospital (Headquarters) also offer work permit medical exams in their check-up departments, albeit at higher cost (expect ~฿600+).

• Pattaya: Bangkok Hospital Pattaya – A large private hospital with an international clinic; they explicitly offer “health examination for work permit” as one of their check-up services. You can also obtain a certificate at Pattaya Memorial Hospital or Pattaya International Hospital, or smaller clinics in Pattaya that cater to foreigners.

• Hua Hin: Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin – A modern private hospital that provides general check-ups and can issue work permit medical certificates (as part of their check-up services). Another option is San Paulo Hospital Hua Hin, which offers medical certificates for official purposes (they charge about ฿400 for a basic certificate, as noted for a driver’s license exam). Hua Hin also has clinics like Be Well Medical Center and Hello GP Clinic that can do work permit health checks for a modest fee – these cater to the local expat community.

• Chiang Mai: Dr. Artima Medical Clinic – An English-speaking clinic in Chiang Mai offering work permit medical certificates (approximately ฿570 including the syphilis test). Major hospitals such as Chiang Mai Ram Hospital or Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai have check-up centers that can perform the exam as well (just ask for a work permit health check). Additionally, clinics like CM Mediclinic and Hugsa Clinic in Chiang Mai advertise quick work permit health certificate services (often ~15 minutes, ~฿500).

• Koh Samui: Samui Home Clinic (Bophut) – A clinic on Samui that provides various medical certificates, including for work permits. They are used to handling expat needs and can do the necessary tests. Alternatively, Bangkok Hospital Samui (on the island) can also issue work permit medical certificates through its outpatient department. Small local hospitals/clinics on Samui, such as Thai International Hospital in Chaweng, are also options.

• Phuket: Phuket Medical Clinic (Patong) – A private clinic that offers work permit medical exams; they outline the process (ID check, health exam, certificate issuance) and ensure the certificate states you are free of TB, syphilis, etc.. Bangkok Hospital Phuket and Bangkok Hospital Siriroj (Phuket) are large hospitals that can perform the required check-up as well. Many clinics in Phuket (especially in expat areas like Patong, Chalong, and Phuket Town) advertise quick medical certificates for work permits and driver’s licenses – for example, PMC Clinic (Phuket Medical Clinic, mentioned above) and hospitals like Mission Hospital Phuket also provide this service.

When choosing where to go, consider convenience and communication. In big cities and tourist hubs, you’ll find plenty of English-speaking staff at the mentioned hospitals and clinics. Always verify the clinic/hospital will stamp and sign the certificate in English/Thai as required. The examples above have a track record of providing proper work permit medical certificates.

In summary: Obtaining the medical certificate for a Thailand work permit is a simple but necessary step. Plan to visit a Thai clinic or hospital for a brief health check focused on a few specific diseases. Ensure the certificate is dated within a month of your work permit application and properly signed/stamped by a doctor. The process is quick, the cost is relatively low, and it will provide official assurance that you are “fit to work” in Thailand. With certificate in hand, you’ll be one step closer to securing your Thai work permit. Good luck with your application!