Thai Govt Warns Employers of Strict Penalties for Hiring Illegal Migrant Workers

The Thai government has issued a stern warning to employers nationwide, prohibiting the hiring and utilization of illegal migrant workers. Severe penalties will be imposed on both employers and workers who violate these regulations. According to a government spokesperson, the administration prioritizes the legal management of migrant workers and has instructed relevant agencies to intensify proactive measures, including strict inspections and enforcement against establishments, employers, and migrant workers engaged in illegal activities. Employers and the general public are urged to refrain from hiring or using the services of foreigners who lack work permits or are working outside the scope of their authorized rights. Such actions are considered violations of the 2017 Royal Ordinance on the Management of Foreign Workers' Employment. Examples of prohibited activities include Thai massage, hairdressing, beauty services, and driving. Employers or establishments found to be hiring foreigners without work permits or allowing them to work outside their authorized scope will face fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 baht per illegally employed foreigner. Repeat offenders may be subject to imprisonment for up to one year, fines of 50,000 to 200,000 baht per foreigner, or both, and will be banned from hiring foreign workers for three years. Migrant workers found to be working without permits or outside their authorized rights will be fined between 5,000 and 50,000 baht. Upon payment of the fine, they will be deported and banned from applying for work permits for two years. The government emphasizes its commitment to establishing fair and correct labor standards to prevent human trafficking and protect professions reserved for Thai nationals. The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with other agencies, is conducting continuous random inspections of establishments. Violators will face legal action without exception. In the 2024 fiscal year, over 74,000 establishments employing migrant workers were inspected nationwide, identifying over 1,700 cases where foreign workers were found to be taking jobs reserved for Thai citizens. Source: INN News