The re-entry permit is to allow permanent residents to leave Thailand for an extended amount of time without abandoning their permanent residence. For short trips abroad, the Permanent Resident Card itself allows re-entry to Thailand. Permanent residents must maintain their permanent residence in Thailand or lose their permanent residency. If foreign passenger intends to take a long trip abroad, he/she may apply for a re-entry permit. It is issued for up to two years. It establishes that the permanent resident did not intend to abandon permanent resident status.