Thailand’s Ministry of Labour has reminded employers and foreign workers that holding a valid work permit does not automatically allow foreigners to work in every occupation. Under Thai law, a number of jobs remain legally reserved for Thai citizens, with violations carrying fines, deportation and employment bans.
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The reminder comes amid ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the existing legislation, ThenEmergency Decree on Foreigners’ Working Management. Authorities stress that many foreign nationals and employers still mistakenly believe that legal entry into Thailand, combined with a passport and work permit, permits unrestricted employment.
The Ministry has identified 10 occupations that foreigners are strictly prohibited from undertaking, even if they hold a work permit. These include peddling goods through hawker stalls, pavement stalls, carts or lottery sales; brokerage or agency work, except in international trade; beauty services such as hairdressing and nail work; traditional Thai massage and spa massage; driving commercial vehicles including taxis, vans, buses and three-wheelers; tour guide work; legal services including acting as a lawyer or legal adviser; hand-woven cloth production; various forms of traditional craft work; and security services.
Officials have warned that foreign workers found carrying out any of these occupations face legal penalties regardless of whether the work is their main employment or a secondary source of income. Foreign offenders can be fined between THB5,000 and THB50,000, deported from Thailand and barred from applying for a new work permit for two years from the date the penalty is imposed.
The regulations also place significant responsibilities on employers. Businesses that allow foreign nationals to work beyond their authorised rights can face fines ranging from THB10,000 to THB100,000 for each foreign worker involved. Repeat offenders may face imprisonment of up to one year, fines of between THB50,000 and THB200,000, or both, and can be prohibited from employing foreign workers for three years.
The Ministry said the restrictions are designed to protect occupations reserved for Thai citizens and preserve areas of work considered part of Thailand’s traditional skills and cultural heritage. Employers are therefore encouraged to verify that the duties performed by foreign employees match the work specified in their permits.
The Nation reported that authorities are expected to continue monitoring compliance and enforcing the regulations. Employers and foreign workers are being urged to review employment arrangements carefully to avoid prosecution, financial penalties and the loss of legal work rights in Thailand.
10 occupations, foreign workers are “strictly prohibited” from doing
Peddling goods: hawker stalls, setting up pavement stalls, pushing carts to sell goods or lottery tickets.
Brokerage or agency work: except for brokerage work in international trade.
Beauty services, nail work and hairdressing: perming, cutting and styling hair, as well as all forms of nail work.
Thai massage: traditional massage and spa massage are regarded as Thai wisdom.
Driving motor vehicles: driving taxis, vans, three-wheelers, buses or other vehicles, except for forklift driving in factories.
Tour guide work: acting as a tour guide or organising tours.
Legal services: lawyers, legal advisers or litigation services, except for some arbitration work.
Hand-woven cloth work: including reeling fabric/thread and twisting silk by hand.
Various craft work: wood carving, silverware, goldware, stone-polished metalware and Thai doll-making.
Security work: guarding premises and providing security protection.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 15 June 2026
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