Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered stricter implementation against foreign nationals working in jobs only reserved for Thai citizens, after over 4,000 arrests were made in the past nine months.
In a Bangkok Post article, Ministry Spokesperson Phumphat Muanchan said that the crackdown aims to protect Thai workers and prevent employers from bypassing legal hiring to save costs. He also blamed weak law enforcement for worsening the issue,
From October 2023 to June 2024, authorities found thousands of expats in restricted roles. These included 4m437 in fully prohibited jobs like barbers and chauffeurs, 4,720 in conditionally restricted roles like construction and farming, and 22,414 in jobs like shop assistants and manual labour. However, only a fraction faced legal action.
The Ministry is working with the police and Department of Employment to locate, fine, and deport violators. Employers are urged to follow labor laws, and the public is encouraged to report illegal employment to authorities.