Foreign Workers Caught in Illegal Employment Raid at Host Bar in Huai Khwang

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A high-profile host bar in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district has come under fire after a joint operation led to the arrest of multiple foreign nationals found working illegally. The Department of Employment, under the Ministry of Labour, carried out the raid in coordination with the Immigration Bureau and local police stations including Bang Sue, Sutthisan and Chokchai.

Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, announced on 10 May, that the operation was launched under the directive of Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. The crackdown is part of the government’s efforts to protect job opportunities for Thai citizens and to regulate the employment of foreign nationals in accordance with the law.

On 9 May, a task force inspected eight establishments across Bangkok, including massage parlours, spas, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Lat Phrao, Phaya Thai, and Huai Khwang. At one entertainment venue, described as a host bar, officers discovered several individuals believed to be foreigners preparing drinks and entertaining customers.

Authorities identified themselves and requested identification documents from the workers. The inspection revealed ten foreign nationals working illegally. Of these:

• One individual was working without a work permit.

• Seven were working without a permit and residing in Thailand unlawfully.

• Two were working without permits and had overstayed their visas.

All individuals have been taken into custody and handed over to Chokchai Police Station for legal proceedings.

Mr. Somchai cited the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers (2017, with subsequent amendments), which states that foreigners working without valid permits can be fined between 5,000 and 50,000 baht, deported, and banned from reapplying for work permits for two years.

Employers who hire foreign workers illegally face fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 baht per individual. Repeat offenders may face up to one year in prison or fines of 50,000 to 200,000 baht per worker, and a three-year ban from employing foreign nationals.

The Department of Employment urges all business operators to strictly comply with labour laws to uphold the rights of Thai workers and maintain fair employment standards.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-11.