Bangkok: The Prime Minister stated that it was unavoidable that South Korea banned Thai workers because they had violated the law, but added that he was ready to protect them if they were being harassed.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed South Korea's announcement of a blacklist (ban) on Thai workers from four northeastern provinces: Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, and Maha Sarakham. This ban prohibits the import of seasonal agricultural and fisheries workers for the entire year 2026. He highlighted the necessity of understanding the situation first, noting that he has not yet received a comprehensive report on the matter.
The Prime Minister explained that if Thai workers enter South Korea illegally, they will face a ban, just as those who illegally work in Thailand are banned. He cited a recent inspection on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province, where illegal activities were uncovered, including unlicensed accommodations, hotels, and illegal villas. He emphasized that illegal actions abroad by Thai workers warrant the enforcement of such bans, underscoring the importance of adhering to the law.
When questioned about the government's role in resolving this issue, Mr. Anutin stated, "We won't help. We can't help because you broke the law yourselves." However, he assured that if Thai workers were acting legally and faced persecution, the government would offer full protection.
Regarding concerns about the potential impact of the ban on Thai tourism to South Korea, Mr. Anutin reiterated the Thai proverb, "One rotten fish spoils the whole barrel," urging a sense of responsibility among citizens. He separated labor issues from tourism, dismissing claims that Thais would face difficulties traveling to South Korea. Emphasizing the strong trade relationship, he noted that South Korea relies on tourism revenue from Thai visitors for shopping and beauty treatments. Mr. Anutin assured that any arising issues would be addressed with the South Korean government, maintaining the positive diplomatic relationship between the two nations.