Medical Certificate for Work Permit Application and Renewal in Thailand for Expats

Medical Certificate for Work Permit in Thailand — What Expats Need to Know

If you're a foreigner applying for or renewing a work permit in Thailand, obtaining a medical certificate is one of the essential steps in the process. It's a legal requirement—not just paperwork—and it must be completed by a licensed medical doctor using the appropriate examination and documentation.

At PULSE Clinic, we provide work permit medical certificates every day for first-time applicants and for people renewing permits they've held for years. We've designed the process to provide same-day results whenever possible, without cutting corners on the examination itself.

This guide covers everything you need to know: why the certificate is required, exactly what it screens for, what to expect from your appointment, and how much it costs.

Book Your Medical Certificate Now

Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:

Why Do You Need a Medical Certificate for a Thai Work Permit?

Under Thailand's Foreigners' Working Management Emergency Decree, anyone applying for or renewing a work permit must prove they're medically fit to work. A licensed doctor has to confirm that the applicant shows no signs of mental illness or mental infirmity and is free of six specific conditions:

• Leprosy
• Tuberculosis
• Drug addiction
• Alcoholism
• Elephantiasis
• Third-degree syphilis

This isn't a full physical exam in the hospital sense — it's a focused, legally defined screening designed to satisfy the requirements of the Ministry of Labour. Most of these conditions can be assessed through a straightforward physical consultation and a review of your medical history.

Syphilis and drug addiction are the exceptions: because they require lab-confirmed results rather than just a physical observation, they're the part of the process that takes a bit more than a five-minute chat with a doctor, which is why we include a blood test and a urine test as standard with every certificate we issue.

What Happens During Your Appointment

Even though the certificate itself is a compact document, the appointment behind it follows the same standard of care as any other visit to one of our GPs.

• The role of the doctor: The doctor who conducts your work permit medical examination is a fully qualified general practitioner trained to assess general health conditions and identify anything that may require further attention. If, during your consultation, the doctor notices something unrelated to the certificate itself — a symptom worth investigating or a health question you'd like to raise — you're welcome to bring it up. Many of our patients start with a routine certificate visit and end up building an ongoing relationship with the same doctor for their general healthcare needs, which tends to be the most effective way to manage your health over time, since the doctor becomes familiar with your history.
• What the doctor checks: Expect a brief physical assessment and a short conversation about your general health and medical history, followed by the blood draw for the syphilis screening and a urine sample for the drug screening. It's a routine, low-stress process — most patients are in and out of the physical exam portion in a few minutes.
• Getting the most out of your visit: If you have any relevant medical history, a list of current medications, or recent test results, feel free to bring them along, though they aren't required for this particular certificate. If anything about the process is unclear, ask your doctor before you leave. Understanding exactly what was checked and why is part of good care, not just paperwork.

Medical Certificate Cost for a Thai Work Permit

Before we can issue your work permit medical certificate, you'll need to complete two required parts of the assessment: a syphilis blood test and a urine drug test.

These are standard requirements as part of the medical screening process for Thai work permit applications and renewals and must be carried out in person by our medical team — because both a blood sample and a urine sample are needed, this service cannot be completed remotely.

During your visit, our doctor will also review your results with you, answer any questions, and ensure your documentation is completed correctly.

Example Medical Certificate

For your reference, below is an example of the medical certificate issued by PULSE Clinic for Thai work permit applications and renewals.

Please note: Personal information in this sample certificate has been removed or anonymised to protect patient privacy.

How to Book Your Appointment

1. Message us in advance on LINE: @pulseclinic
2. Bring your passport with you on the day of your appointment
3. No fasting or dietary restrictions apply — you can eat and drink normally before and during the visit

That's the entire preparation checklist. No special diet, no need to clear your schedule for hours, and no complicated forms to fill out in advance.

Book Your Medical Certificate Now

Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform:

How You Can Pay

Work permit medical certificate visits at PULSE Clinic can be paid for with cash, a credit card, or a money transfer. If your health insurance covers services received at PULSE Clinic, you can still pay at the time of your visit and use your receipt and certificate to claim reimbursement afterward. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be able to claim reimbursement using your receipt and medical certificate.

Beyond the Work Permit Certificate

Work permit certificates are one of the most common reasons people visit us, but they're far from the only medical clearance we handle. PULSE Clinic also issues certificates for:

• Health clearance for employers, schools, and other institutions
• Travel clearance for airlines and immigration requirements
• Thai driving license applications and renewals (a related but separate certificate — see below)

If you need more than one type of certificate, let our team know when you book so we can plan your visit accordingly.

A Related Requirement: Medical Certificates for a Thai Driving License

Many of our work permit patients are also applying for or renewing a Thai driving license, since foreigners living in Thailand long-term typically need both. The driving license medical certificate is a separate document — sometimes called the "5 diseases form" — and confirms you're free of conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely, including mental disability, drug addiction or chronic alcoholism, and the contagious or symptomatic stages of leprosy, tuberculosis, and elephantiasis.

Our Telemedicine Services

Beyond medical certificates, PULSE Clinic's telemedicine platform gives you access to a broader range of care from wherever you are:

• Confidential consultations with licensed doctors, available within minutes
• Confidential sessions with certified counsellors and psychologists
• Ongoing support for managing chronic conditions through sustainable lifestyle changes
• Medication refills for chronic conditions, with same-day home delivery
• Guidance from our aesthetic experts
• Personalised nutrition plans from our licensed clinical nutritionist

Other Healthcare Services at PULSE Clinic

Our doctors see a wide range of conditions every day, but a few areas are where patients most often turn to us specifically:

Most requested services:

• PrEP (HIV prevention)
• Emergency PEP (for situations like condom failure)
• STD testing and treatment
• Anxiety
• Gastroenteritis
• Syphilis
• HIV treatment

Commonly treated conditions:

• UTIs
• Skin rashes
• Back pain
• Anxiety
• Gastroenteritis
• Sore throat

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a work permit medical certificate cost at PULSE Clinic?

The cost depends on your syphilis screening result: 1,240 THB if you've never had a syphilis infection, or 1,340 THB if you have a history of one. Both prices include the doctor's consultation, the required blood test, and the urine drug test.

How long does it take to get the certificate?

The appointment itself takes about 10 minutes, with your certificate ready shortly after.

What conditions does the medical certificate screen for?

Thai law requires screening for mental illness or infirmity, plus six specific conditions: leprosy, tuberculosis, drug addiction, alcoholism, elephantiasis, and third-degree syphilis.

Do I need to fast before my appointment?

No. There are no food or drink restrictions before or during the examination.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Just your passport. If you have relevant medical history or existing test results, feel free to bring them along as well, though they aren't required.

Can I use the same visit to get a driving license medical certificate too?

The work permit and driving license certificates are separate documents with different requirements, but you can often arrange both in the same visit. Mention this when you book so our team can plan accordingly.

Will my insurance cover the cost?

If your policy covers services at PULSE Clinic, you can pay at the time of your visit and submit your receipt and medical certificate for reimbursement. Coverage depends on your insurer and your individual policy.

Can I get a work permit medical certificate the same day?

Yes. In most cases, the appointment takes about 10 minutes, and your certificate is typically ready within a few hours after the blood and urine tests are completed.

Need your medical certificate today?

Whether you're applying for your first Thai work permit or renewing an existing one, our team can help you complete the process quickly and professionally.

Book Your Medical Certificate Now

Contact us at info.bkk@pulse-clinic.com or chat on your preferred platform: