Foreigner Sparks Outrage for Doing Thai-Only Job in Phuket

[DonniePeverley]

Thailand is not a rich country, despite the glamour you may see. It has low wages, that simply cannot let it's workforce be taken advantage off. These laws are there to protect them.

 

We are already seeing an erosion with living accomodation, with foreigners now having more rites, and able to stay longer term. The russians are effectively living in Phuket, and have pushed up rents, pricing locals Thai's out. We already seeing visas being introduced to allow foreigners to stay and takeover whole regions. 

 

You simply cannot let foreigners work here, unless on a pre prescribed short list. They have some protections in many countries . 

 

This is a disgrace. 

 

We all know in Phuket Russians are working there, doing tour guides, running shops, hair salons, the work . They are working. It should be taken down strictly. 

 

There is also the question of the 'fronts' who run the business, but employ Thai's to run it. I suppose you could say that is fair game. 

[cookie1974]

If this is all it takes get a " storm of controversy " going then im afraid the thais need to get their priorities in order, maybe start dealing with thailands real problems like drug abuse,violence,human trafficking,corruption and road deaths instead of persecuting some foreigner for giving a foot massage

[khaowong1]

9 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

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. 

I was just going to make this same point.  

[Jingthing]

Why do Thais assume he isn't a Thai citizen? Racial profiling? 

[PopGun]

9 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

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. 

Russia seems to have a reciprocal arrangement.

[ikke1959]

5 hours ago, AgMech Cowboy said:

If you have certification as a Neuromuscular Therapy, then you can advertise that specialty in Thailand.  Yes, it does involve manipulation of muscles and ligaments, but it's not the same as a massage.  If I were such a specialist, I'd be checking to see if it's restricted, because I do not believe that it is.

I am a certified laser therapist too.. Not for beauty clinics but medical treatments

[HammerGuy]

17 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

 

 

Won't be going in there for a "Happy Ending" 

[CLW]

For god's sake, just abolish this outdated law once and for all. It is absolutely ridiculous. What country has similar laws? I don't know any, except that you need a work permit and for certain jobs a certificate or degree.

[metisdead]

A troll post commenting on the title of an update and a reply has been removed.  The title of the updated article has been edited. 

[rattlesnake]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

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."

 

 

What a load of BS. Whoever said this was either high, is taking the p*ss or has a political agenda. No skilled farang will be willing to work in Thailand for less than 30,000 at the very least, which is twice what a Thai will be happy with, so it has nothing to do with "farangs" i.e. Westerners.

 

However, I have noticed a growing trend in employing Burmese workers for less than what a Thai would cost. This tendency to practice social dumping is nefarious IMO. Thai politicians should increase Thai salaries and social benefits, not encourage looking for cheaper alternatives in poorer countries.

[rattlesnake]

9 hours ago, ChrisKC said:

It is true that the word farang is derived from the French word for foreigner in general terms but...

 

It is derived from the Thai word for French people and/or France, farangset (ฝรั่งเศส).

[Bday Prang]

12 hours ago, peetje said:

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

generally as prostitutes, fruit pickers and unskilled construction labour. Few get "sent"  they pay big money to Thai agencies for the privilege. Most return home to find the family has "taken care" of their earnings, Those that manage to stash some in the bank will normally have blown it within a few months of returning.

                They are generally hopeless with money unless they have some chinese DNA in there genes

[jts-khorat]

3 hours ago, CLW said:

For god's sake, just abolish this outdated law once and for all. It is absolutely ridiculous. What country has similar laws? I don't know any, except that you need a work permit and for certain jobs a certificate or degree.

 

Oh, I don't know.

 

There are literally dozens of threads in this forum, with a very large number of participants cheering such policies on -- especially, but not exclusively, after a certain person has won the election for president a few days back.

[Thechook]

In places like Australia thai's are free to work in any occupation they like, they can even buy land.  To treat people differently based on race, religion or gender is illegal in Australia and racist

[Thechook]

13 hours ago, ChrisKC said:

Incorrect-  on Both counts

Thai's living in Australia refer to Australians as farangs

[DonniePeverley]

16 hours ago, Andytheburiramman said:

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

 

 

For research purposes where are these indian prositutes?

[sikishrory]

18 hours ago, peetje said:

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

Ironically i see a lot of the time nobody is "sending them" but they work illegally on student or tourist visas. But thats ok.

[shocky2012]

The problem is that we base our opinions on assumptions rather than facts. I’m not blaming people—I’m blaming journalism.
 

It’s important to include the context of the situation because, without it, things can be interpreted in any way. It could be someone genuinely working illegally and running an illegal business, or something as harmless as helping two clients for his wife due to some personal reason.
 

Some people really need to calm down before speaking without having all the facts.

[black tabby12345]

I wonder if he is either Ukranian or Russian War Refugee?

Running very low in cash, so forced into working illegally here.

If so, another causality of the Poo-tin's senseless invasion...

[Kinok Farang]

I'd not give baldie 1000 baht to suck my diick.

[ChipButty]

14 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Thailand is not a rich country, despite the glamour you may see. It has low wages, that simply cannot let it's workforce be taken advantage off. These laws are there to protect them.

 

We are already seeing an erosion with living accomodation, with foreigners now having more rites, and able to stay longer term. The russians are effectively living in Phuket, and have pushed up rents, pricing locals Thai's out. We already seeing visas being introduced to allow foreigners to stay and takeover whole regions. 

 

You simply cannot let foreigners work here, unless on a pre prescribed short list. They have some protections in many countries . 

 

This is a disgrace. 

 

We all know in Phuket Russians are working there, doing tour guides, running shops, hair salons, the work . They are working. It should be taken down strictly. 

 

There is also the question of the 'fronts' who run the business, but employ Thai's to run it. I suppose you could say that is fair game. 

Well known around where I live, mobile hairdressers, nails, home massage, yoga, I've seen a couple of Russians doing yoga classes on the beach early morning, 

[ChipButty]

7 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

For research purposes where are these indian prositutes?

I've not seen any Indian ones here in Thailand, 

[georgegeorgia]

18 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

yes. Why, is that a problem?

Oh don't be a codswallop 

It's self explanatory,surely the academic in you explains this ,please ,your having a laugh !

[Thechook]

42 minutes ago, ChipButty said:

I've not seen any Indian ones here in Thailand, 

Do Indian women even come to Thailand?  See hundreds of Indian men but can't recall their women.

[ChipButty]

2 hours ago, Thechook said:

Do Indian women even come to Thailand?  See hundreds of Indian men but can't recall their women.

Seen lots of Indian couples, never seen women on their own, I don't go out late at night no more, too old

[spidermike007]

On 2/6/2025 at 2:09 PM, ikke1959 said:

I am fully qualified but I am not Thai... I got an education as a sportsmasseur and have a lot of experience. The course took 2 years and was in Latin, and besides massage also educated in nutrition, diets, taking care before and after sports, trainingsschedule and sporthistory...but massage is only for Thais

Thailand desperately needs people like you with your level of skill and expertise, there are likely under 500 people employed in the massage industry in Thailand that are truly experienced when it comes to physiology sports medicine and the like. 

 

And they are nearly impossible to find. The mindlessness of the government here is fully on display when it comes to policy like this, where they are shooting themselves in the foot to an extraordinary extent. 

[DonniePeverley]

14 hours ago, ChipButty said:

Well known around where I live, mobile hairdressers, nails, home massage, yoga, I've seen a couple of Russians doing yoga classes on the beach early morning, 

 

 

There's a British lass who is openly cash in hand doing fitness classes. She gives the gym owner a small percentage. Sometimes even does group routines. 

 

It's pretty open in some areas of Phuket. 

[DonniePeverley]

9 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Thailand desperately needs people like you with your level of skill and expertise, there are likely under 500 people employed in the massage industry in Thailand that are truly experienced when it comes to physiology sports medicine and the like. 

 

And they are nearly impossible to find. The mindlessness of the government here is fully on display when it comes to policy like this, where they are shooting themselves in the foot to an extraordinary extent. 

 

 

Utterly ridiculous take. So the local Thai who works hard just to make ends meet, on around £7 a day is meant to just take a hike ?

 

 

[Patong2021]

On 2/5/2025 at 11:58 PM, NorthernRyland said:

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. 

Let go of the pearls clara.  The Thais who are allowed into western countruies are doing the work that westerners won't and/or cannot do. The Thais are primarily employed on farms and in the hospitality sector. Are you able to cook Thai food in a restaurant under pressure, or work as farm labour? If so, you can replace the Thais, who are there because there is no one competent locally.

[spidermike007]

8 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 

Utterly ridiculous take. So the local Thai who works hard just to make ends meet, on around £7 a day is meant to just take a hike ?

 

 

At the total misunderstanding of the situation, there might be a hundred foreigners in Thailand with the skill to do the precision work that sports therapy requires and there might be 100 Thais in the entire country, that have the education to do this kind of work. So, we're not talking about competing with anyone for normal massage jobs. How many masseuses are there in Thailand? 200,000?