Foreigner Sparks Outrage for Doing Thai-Only Job in Phuket

[webfact]

video screenshot

 

A recent video showing a foreigner doing the work of a masseur at a spa in Phuket has ignited a storm of controversy across Thailand, highlighting a sensitive issue around employment laws reserved for Thai nationals.

 

Captured on a bustling street in Patong, the video portrays a foreign man engaging in duties that many argue should be strictly off-limits to expatriates under Thai law. This footage, widely circulated on social media, has drawn a torrent of criticism and calls for enforcement of existing regulations.

 

Thailand's Emergency Decree on Foreigners' Work Management, enacted in 2017, clearly stipulates that certain occupations are exclusively for Thais.

 

This includes roles deeply embedded in Thai culture, like traditional masseurs, woodcarvers, street vendors, and several others. Such restrictions aim to preserve what is often referred to as "Thai wisdom" and protect employment for local citizens.

 

The viral video has led to an outpouring of reactions online. Critics of the foreign masseur argue that allowing non-nationals to step into these roles undermines the integrity and economic prospects of local Thai workers.

One concerned netizen remarked that, "This sets a dangerous precedent if left unchecke, soon Thai traditions might face gradual dilution."

 

However, some locals suggest there is a deeper issue at play. The challenge of enticing Thai nationals to fill these traditional roles has been spotlighted, with business owners facing hurdles due to high demands for wages and specific working conditions from Thai candidates.

 

An observer noted, "It's not just about foreigners taking jobs—it's also about the evolving aspirations of our own workforce."

 

Statistics from last year underline this issue; the Employment Department uncovered 721 instances of foreigners engaged in prohibited professions, encompassing tasks from vending to hairdressing.

 

The law enforces strict penalties for such violations. Foreigners caught working in these roles can face fines up to 50,000 Thai Baht (approximately £1,100) and deportation.

 

Employers risk far heftier consequences, including fines reaching 200,000 Thai Baht (around £4,500), potential imprisonment, and a three-year prohibition from hiring foreign workers, reported The Nation.

 

-- 2025-02-06

 

 

[ikke1959]

Can you imagine how conservative the country is.. Several Thais are too lazy to work so they need Burmese and Cambodian people for jobs they can do but are low paid and no Thai want to do it.. I am a sportsmasseur too but as massage is only job allowed for Thai I can't do it here ... Outdated laws must be updated. It will put people to work instead of holding their hands up and opening coffeeshops and minishops that don't earn anything...Protectionism is always way to hold the economy back

[JoePai]

"Thai wisdom"

 

Now there's a perfect example of an oxymoron  🤣

[Andytheburiramman]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

video screenshot

 

A recent video showing a foreigner doing the work of a masseur at a spa in Phuket has ignited a storm of controversy across Thailand, highlighting a sensitive issue around employment laws reserved for Thai nationals.

 

Captured on a bustling street in Patong, the video portrays a foreign man engaging in duties that many argue should be strictly off-limits to expatriates under Thai law. This footage, widely circulated on social media, has drawn a torrent of criticism and calls for enforcement of existing regulations.

 

Thailand's Emergency Decree on Foreigners' Work Management, enacted in 2017, clearly stipulates that certain occupations are exclusively for Thais.

 

This includes roles deeply embedded in Thai culture, like traditional masseurs, woodcarvers, street vendors, and several others. Such restrictions aim to preserve what is often referred to as "Thai wisdom" and protect employment for local citizens.

 

The viral video has led to an outpouring of reactions online. Critics of the foreign masseur argue that allowing non-nationals to step into these roles undermines the integrity and economic prospects of local Thai workers.

 

One concerned netizen remarked that, "This sets a dangerous precedent if left unchecke, soon Thai traditions might face gradual dilution."

 

However, some locals suggest there is a deeper issue at play. The challenge of enticing Thai nationals to fill these traditional roles has been spotlighted, with business owners facing hurdles due to high demands for wages and specific working conditions from Thai candidates.

 

An observer noted, "It's not just about foreigners taking jobs—it's also about the evolving aspirations of our own workforce."

 

Statistics from last year underline this issue; the Employment Department uncovered 721 instances of foreigners engaged in prohibited professions, encompassing tasks from vending to hairdressing.

 

The law enforces strict penalties for such violations. Foreigners caught working in these roles can face fines up to 50,000 Thai Baht (approximately £1,100) and deportation.

 

Employers risk far heftier consequences, including fines reaching 200,000 Thai Baht (around £4,500), potential imprisonment, and a three-year prohibition from hiring foreign workers, reported The Nation.

 

-- 2025-02-06

 

 

So Indians, Africans and Russians can openly work as prostitutes here in Thailand, but when it comes to massaging feet they are shocked 😳 

[peetje]

However, they don't mind sending Thais abroad to work in any cattegory

[newbee2022]

Is he a qualified Physio therapist?

It would be an upgrade.

However, not permitted

[Lalo27]

Doesn't he also do happy foot massage?

[Will B Good]

 

 

I'd be hard pressed to imagine a higher profile example of a Thai job being 'stolen' than a white male farang working in a massage parlour

[Tarteso]

Be careful out there, there are many fetishists who worship feet.🤣

[Thingamabob]

Like it or not the law is the law and this foreigner is breaking it.

[chickenslegs]

Maybe he's a podophiliast and he's the one paying

[Dobbsie58]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

video screenshot

 

A recent video showing a foreigner doing the work of a masseur at a spa in Phuket has ignited a storm of controversy across Thailand, highlighting a sensitive issue around employment laws reserved for Thai nationals.

 

Captured on a bustling street in Patong, the video portrays a foreign man engaging in duties that many argue should be strictly off-limits to expatriates under Thai law. This footage, widely circulated on social media, has drawn a torrent of criticism and calls for enforcement of existing regulations.

 

Thailand's Emergency Decree on Foreigners' Work Management, enacted in 2017, clearly stipulates that certain occupations are exclusively for Thais.

 

This includes roles deeply embedded in Thai culture, like traditional masseurs, woodcarvers, street vendors, and several others. Such restrictions aim to preserve what is often referred to as "Thai wisdom" and protect employment for local citizens.

 

The viral video has led to an outpouring of reactions online. Critics of the foreign masseur argue that allowing non-nationals to step into these roles undermines the integrity and economic prospects of local Thai workers.

 

One concerned netizen remarked that, "This sets a dangerous precedent if left unchecke, soon Thai traditions might face gradual dilution."

 

However, some locals suggest there is a deeper issue at play. The challenge of enticing Thai nationals to fill these traditional roles has been spotlighted, with business owners facing hurdles due to high demands for wages and specific working conditions from Thai candidates.

 

An observer noted, "It's not just about foreigners taking jobs—it's also about the evolving aspirations of our own workforce."

 

Statistics from last year underline this issue; the Employment Department uncovered 721 instances of foreigners engaged in prohibited professions, encompassing tasks from vending to hairdressing.

 

The law enforces strict penalties for such violations. Foreigners caught working in these roles can face fines up to 50,000 Thai Baht (approximately £1,100) and deportation.

 

Employers risk far heftier consequences, including fines reaching 200,000 Thai Baht (around £4,500), potential imprisonment, and a three-year prohibition from hiring foreign workers, reported The Nation.

 

-- 2025-02-06

 

 

Are you sure he isn't a pervert with a foot fetish that just wondered in off the street? Patong such a dump!

[Ironmike]

So was he arrested or they're letting it fly

[Thailand]

Aren't there schools here who teach Thai Massage to foreigners, even get extensions of stay for it?

[NorthernRyland]

13 minutes ago, peetje said:

However, they don't mind sending Thais abroad to work in any cattegory

Exactly all our countries take in Thai's and let them work and this how they treat us in their country. We're just getting played at this point by letting them immigrate without full reciprocity in Thailand. 

[spidermike007]

If a foreigner has any sort of specialty when it comes to massage, such as sports therapy or a understanding of anatomy it would be a huge plus for someone like this to be able to practice. There are very few time masseuses that have a true understanding of anatomy. Perhaps it's time for some meaningful reform of the laws? 

[PomPolo]

Maybe he has just got a foot fetish?

[Joe32]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

a three-year prohibition from hiring foreign workers

Why a 3 year prohibition if they may not hire foreign workers any time? 

[wensiensheng]

17 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

I'd be hard pressed to imagine a higher profile example of a Thai job being 'stolen' than a white male farang working in a massage parlour

I actually wonder whether he is working for wages, or just messing about as a one off joke. I can’t see it being a long term occupation for a farang here

[murto]

5 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Can you imagine how conservative the country is.. Several Thais are too lazy to work so they need Burmese and Cambodian people for jobs they can do but are low paid and no Thai want to do it.. I am a sportsmasseur too but as massage is only job allowed for Thai I can't do it here ... Outdated laws must be updated. It will put people to work instead of holding their hands up and opening coffeeshops and minishops that don't earn anything...Protectionism is always way to hold the economy back

Do you really not recognize how ignorant your comment is... or you just funnin' us?

[webfact]

Public debate erupts over foreign foot masseur in Phuket
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

Thai netizens demanded action from relevant government departments after a viral video showed a foreign man working as a foot masseur in Phuket.

 

The video showing the foreign man providing a foot massage service to two customers was shared by the Phuket Times yesterday, February 5.

In the video, the foreigner was seen cleaning the feet of male and female customers, believed to be foreign nationals as well.

 

The man’s workplace was a small roadside spa shop. It was unclear whether he was an employee or the owner.

If he was an employee, his actions would violate Section 7 of the Foreigners’ Working Management Act, which prohibits foreigners from working illegally in restricted occupations, as a masseur is a profession reserved for Thai citizens only.

 

The penalty for this offence is a fine of between 5,000 and 50,000 baht, deportation, and a two-year ban on applying for a work permit.

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

Many Thai netizens demanded that police officers and the relevant official department raid the shop and arrest the foreign man. Others urged the media to conduct further investigation before reporting, suggesting he might be working legally.

“This foreign man might have a Thai wife who owns the shop, and he might just be helping her out.”

 

“He might own the shop legally and have all the necessary permits.”

 

“The media should have provided more information for the story, not just posted a picture or video to draw criticism of this foreigner.”

 

Others criticised Thai workers, arguing that foreigners did not steal jobs from Thai people, but rather that Thai people sought only easy work and were too lazy. They claimed that this forces employers to opt for foreign workers.

 

Photo by Jonathan Borba via Canva

As of now, the media has provided no further information on the case, and no relevant government official has come forward to clarify the matter.

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2025-02-06

 

 

[Mburo]

I am OUTRAGED ! 

[Will B Good]

1 minute ago, wensiensheng said:

I actually wonder whether he is working for wages, or just messing about as a one off joke. I can’t see it being a long term occupation for a farang here

 

Agree.....that thought crossed my mind.....couple of beers.....hey lads take video and let's stick it on FB....555

[Kenny Boy]

Does he do happy endings ? 

[chiman]

no way this is serious... 

[AustinRacing]

“Role deeply embedded in Thai culture”. Sit on your ass all day playing on phone. Pretend you know how to massage, accidentally touch the guy in sensitive places, offer happy ending/sex to get more money. Yeah sex related stuff is heavily embedded alright😂😂😂

[ChrisKC]

23 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

I'd be hard pressed to imagine a higher profile example of a Thai job being 'stolen' than a white male farang working in a massage parlour

ALL farangs are white!

[JesseHumphry]

One suspects it's his wife's shop and she roped him into taking care of a couple of customers because somebody called in sick. 

 

[novacova]

He was probably just returning the favor in a creepy sorta way.

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, ChrisKC said:

ALL farangs are white!

"Farang" is a Thai word that is used to refer to foreigners, particularly those of European descent.

 

It can also be used as a general term for any non-Thai person.