Bangkok: The government is ramping up its efforts to tackle the issue of foreign workers who are working illegally without proper permits. In 2015, a total of 2,575 foreign workers faced prosecution for such violations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Government Spokesperson, shared that the Ministry of Labor has reported on their operations for the fiscal year 2025, covering the period from October 1, 2024, to April 18, 2025. During this time, authorities inspected 38,734 establishments employing foreign workers across the nation and prosecuted 1,329 of them. The inspections covered 523,706 foreign workers, resulting in the prosecution of 2,575 individuals. These workers hailed from countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Russia, and India, and were found competing with Thai workers in various sectors, including flea markets, fresh markets, nail salons, car repair shops, and entertainment venues in key tourist and commercial areas. The primary occupations where these workers were found competing were peddling goods, barbering, driving vehicles, and massaging. Violations were most prevalent in shop-selling, construction, and labor work, which notably affected local entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Labor, as part of the government's initiative, has tasked the Department of Employment's special task force with conducting strict, non-discriminatory inspections. These will be carried out randomly and without prior notice across establishments nationwide. Focus areas include Bangkok, tourist destinations like Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, and major commercial zones such as Yaowarat, Huai Khwang, Pak Khlong Talat, and Victory Monument, among others.
Mr. Karom emphasized the importance of foreign workers holding valid identification and work permits, working in accordance with legal rights, and adhering to conditions set by the Ministry of Labor's announcement on prohibited work types for foreigners. Violators without work permits or those exceeding their rights face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht, deportation, and a two-year ban on applying for a new work permit. Employers hiring such workers will incur fines between 10,000 and 100,000 baht per worker. Repeat offenses could lead to imprisonment for up to one year or fines between 50,000 and 200,000 baht per worker, along with a three-year prohibition on hiring foreign workers.