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