No more slack: Thailand tightens the noose on illegal workers

[snoop1130]

 

The Government of Thailand is tightening the noose on illegal foreign workers in a sweeping crackdown, with over 2,000 arrests in recent weeks. While the bulk of those detained are undocumented migrants from neighbouring Myanmar, the hunt is expanding to include Western foreigners working illegally in jobs reserved for Thai nationals.

 

Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment (DOE), revealed a heightened focus on roles like tour operators, masseurs, barbers, and online sellers.

 

“We are closely monitoring foreigners in these professions.”

 

Somchai signalled the government’s intent to stamp out illegal employment.

 

This crackdown is a joint effort between labour officials and immigration police. Labour officials target businesses exploiting migrant workers, while immigration officers focus on unauthorised foreign individuals.

Recent raids have uncovered illegal workers in restaurants, coconut farms, factories, and even construction sites across Thailand. Pattaya, in particular, has seen a focus on condominium projects.

 

One of the most significant busts involved 20 Chinese nationals running online gambling operations from rented houses in Pattaya. Meanwhile, smaller cases include Russian taxi drivers in Phuket, a mobile Ukrainian manicurist, a Japanese tour guide in Chiang Mai, and a British DJ in Pattaya. Those found guilty face deportation, blacklisting, and, for those from distant countries, jail until they can secure a ticket home.

 

New biometric technology is playing a critical role in tightening the net on illegal entrants, with police using advanced systems to spot facial irregularities and flag violators. Thailand’s immigration spokesperson mentioned the government’s ambition to streamline visitor authorisations with electronic visas and improved entry systems, targeting 2025 for full integration, reported Pattaya Mail.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-10-08

 

 

[Kerryd]

Note the emphasis on "Western foreigners". 

Not Indians. Not Asians. Not even Africans.

Just those "dirty farangs".

[Gottfrid]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Here we can see the knowledge of presumable educated people. It´s called Labor Department and Not Department of Employment.

After that, we can have some fun with the guy who have the DOE shortcut. DOA is Dead on Arrival, which mean the he must be Dead on Exit.

[chickenslegs]

27 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Here we can see the knowledge of presumable educated people. It´s called Labor Department and Not Department of Employment.

After that, we can have some fun with the guy who have the DOE shortcut. DOA is Dead on Arrival, which mean the he must be Dead on Exit.

The Department of Employment (DOE) is part of the Ministry of Labour.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Labour_(Thailand)

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, Kerryd said:

Note the emphasis on "Western foreigners". 

Not Indians. Not Asians. Not even Africans.

Just those "dirty farangs".

Fair enough too.

Too much white trash here for my liking.

 

I think the article actually revealed they were going after everyone.

But don’t let that stop you from playing the victim card.

[MalcolmB]

48 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

educated people. It´s called Labor Department

Labour has a “u”.

[impulse]

4 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the hunt is expanding to include Western foreigners working illegally in jobs reserved for Thai nationals.

 

Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director General of the Department of Employment (DOE), revealed a heightened focus on roles like tour operators, masseurs, barbers, and online sellers.

 

I don't recall online sales being on the list of occupations reserved for Thais.  Did I miss an update? 

 

Of course, it probably requires a WP, but didn't they recently change the law to allow WP holders to moonlight in other jobs?

 

Tough to keep up...  I'd sure hate to be a teacher or other legal foreign employee supplementing my income selling Beanie Babies, and get banged up and booted for that...  Does anyone really know?  No guessing...

 

Edited 21 minutes ago by impulse

[riclag]

 Novel idea , get rid of the abusers!

Russian taxi guy, Chinese criminal, ukraine finger artist, japanese tour guide . Taxi, artists, tour guides are jobs for Thais.

 

 

One of the most significant busts involved 20 Chinese nationals running online gambling operations from rented houses in Pattaya. Meanwhile, smaller cases include Russian taxi drivers in Phuket, a mobile Ukrainian manicurist, a Japanese tour guide in Chiang Mai, and a British DJ in Pattaya. Those found guilty face deportation, blacklisting, and, for those from distant countries, jail until they can secure a ticket home