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.

[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...

 

[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

[watchcat]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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

 

Why not mention the Chinese ?

[mokwit]

51 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

Why not mention the Chinese ?

Embassy complains.

[watchcat]

16 minutes ago, mokwit said:

Embassy complains.

 

Yeah, most likely.

[thesetat2013]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

One of the most significant busts involved 20 Chinese nationals running online gambling operations from rented houses in Pattaya.

Does immigration consider this a job? So, if i am a criminal my work is crime then immigration can arrest and. deport for working illegally? Not the crimes I commit but simply for working as a criminal?

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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,

Jail the employers, if no work is available they won't come.... simple.

While Thais offer employment they will take the risk.

[JohnOFphon]

There are 3 or more black women selling their.?....outside Soi Cowboy.. bust them..African or not, they are taking business away from hard working Thai women.

[LukKrueng]

4 hours ago, thesetat2013 said:

Does immigration consider this a job? So, if i am a criminal my work is crime then immigration can arrest and. deport for working illegally? Not the crimes I commit but simply for working as a criminal?

Why don't you try it? I'm pretty sure that cases like that (criminal activity) will earn you both criminal charges (and possible jail time) AND deportation.

[John Drake]

13 hours ago, impulse said:

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

 

 

Maybe going after TikTokers, Youtubers, and other "influencers" who live here on education visas and the like. If so, that wouldn't be a bad thing to do.

[impulse]

15 minutes ago, John Drake said:

Maybe going after TikTokers, Youtubers, and other "influencers" who live here on education visas and the like. If so, that wouldn't be a bad thing to do.

 

But they're driving tourism $$$ to Thailand and not taking work away from Thai people.  Quite the reverse, in fact.  I think Thailand is actually encouraging them.  Regardless of the disdain we old farts may have for them. 

 

The OP specifically mentions selling online, in pretty much the same breath as foreigners working illegally in jobs reserved for Thai nationals.    

 

I just don't recall "selling online" being on the list of jobs reserved for Thai nationals.

 

[pegman]

6 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Jail the employers, if no work is available they won't come.... simple.

While Thais offer employment they will take the risk.

The junta did threaten to do that after their coup. Construction sites all over shut down. After their back tract it took weeks for the migrants to come back. 

[PETERTHEEATER]

Westerners picking up and stealing trash from their local beaches.....be warned!

[CallumWK]

I know a few local officials who are involved in the construction trade. They all have illegal immigrants as labour

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

face blacklisting and deportation.....or pay 50k and walk away

[thesetat2013]

5 hours ago, LukKrueng said:

Why don't you try it? I'm pretty sure that cases like that (criminal activity) will earn you both criminal charges (and possible jail time) AND deportation.

Yes but would i be deported for committing the crime or for working illegally? Big difference. 

 

[Letseng]

On 10/9/2024 at 5:39 AM, mokwit said:

Embassy complains.

Chinese embassy complains about everything involving Chinese. They do it worldwide.

 

[StayinThailand2much]

On 10/8/2024 at 7:03 PM, Kerryd said:

Note the emphasis on "Western foreigners". 

Not Indians. Not Asians. Not even Africans.

Just those "dirty farangs".

 

Western foreigners can be milked for plenty of cash. (Indians, other Asians, or Africans will just pretend to have 'no money'... No way, Westerners would get away with that excuse. 😛)

 

By the way, 'online sellers' meaning anyone bartering online? I know a number of people who should be worried. Perhaps they can get a work permit for this, if available. 😙