Thailand steps up checks on illegal foreign work

Thailand has ordered agencies to intensify inspections of foreign workers and the businesses employing them, warning of substantial fines, possible prison terms and deportation for breaches of work permit rules.

Deputy government spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn said on September 4 that authorities had been told to take a proactive approach against employers, companies and workers who break employment laws.

Employers face heavier penalties

The government has specifically warned employers not to hire foreigners without valid work permits, or to allow foreign staff to work in roles beyond those authorised under their permit.

Jobs cited include Thai massage, barbering, beauty services and driving vehicles. Foreigners are not permitted to carry out these occupations under the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers B.E. 2560, as they are reserved for Thai nationals.

A business employing a foreigner without a valid permit, or using them in work outside their approved role, can be fined from 10,000 to 100,000 baht for each worker involved.

For repeat violations, employers could face up to one year in prison, a fine of 50,000 to 200,000 baht per foreign worker, or both. Repeat offenders would also be barred from employing foreign workers for three years.

Deportation risk for workers

Foreigners found working without permission or outside the conditions of their work rights face fines of 5,000 to 50,000 baht.

After paying a fine, they will be deported from Thailand and prevented from applying for a work permit for two years, according to the government warning.

More than 74,000 businesses checked

Patdarasm said the measures are intended to establish lawful and fair employment standards, prevent human trafficking and safeguard work reserved for Thai nationals.

The Ministry of Labour has been conducting regular spot checks with other agencies at businesses across the country. Officials said legal action would follow where breaches were identified.

During the 2026 fiscal year, authorities inspected more than 74,000 businesses nationwide that employ foreign workers. The checks identified more than 1,700 foreign workers in occupations reserved for Thai nationals, the government said.

Inspections will continue as authorities enforce work permit conditions and restrictions on reserved occupations.

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5 September 2026