Report Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Expat Workers to Protect Local Jobs

[webfact]

File photo for courtesy of Siam Rath

 

In a bold move, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has unleashed a sweeping crackdown on expatriates occupying jobs reserved for Thai citizens.

 

Over the last nine months, an astounding 4,400 arrests have been made as the government stamps down on illegal foreign employment, aiming to safeguard jobs for domestic workers.

 

Labour Ministry spokesperson Phumphat Muanchan revealed that the initiative targets offenders in "List-1" occupations, such as street vending, barbering, and traditional Thai massage, which are strictly off-limits to expats.

 

Of the thousands apprehended, only 417 have faced charges, highlighting gaps in enforcement. The plight of job protection does not solely fall on law enforcers, with Mr. Phumphat blaming some employers for cutting costs and failing to adhere to recruitment laws, exacerbating the issue.

 

Collaborative efforts are ramping up as the ministry teams up with the police and the Department of Employment to thoroughly address the problem. Illegal expat workers in "List-3" roles – bricklaying, construction, and agriculture sectors – are also under scrutiny, with charges pressed against 53 individuals among 4,720 identified.

 

Meanwhile, in "List-4" conditionally prohibited areas, 696 charges have been filed against 22,414 surveyed workers, pointing toward a concerted effort to standardise employment practices and protect local interests.

 

Thailand's Labour Minister Phiphat underscores the urgency of cooperation among related sectors to yield tangible outcomes. Public participation is strongly encouraged, with citizens urged to report sightings of illegal expat employment to the Central Employment Registration and Workers Protection Division of the DoE.

 

This latest crackdown is set to reinforce the nation’s resolve in supporting Thai workers, amid concerns over the legality and fairness of employment practices across industries.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-16

 

 

[ikke1959]

When will the outdated Thai labour law being reviewed?? There should not be any protected job in Thailand, except Thai massage and rarely occupations, as Thai dance teachers, food carving etc.. Why not open the labour market for everyone.. It will stimulate the economy more than protect jobs for lazy Thais who don't want to work....

[connda]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

In a bold move, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has unleashed a sweeping crackdown on expatriates occupying jobs reserved for Thai citizens.

Eventually you can just let AI out to assess how many times a year the same article is published, and then just allow AI to write the articles on a pre-determined timeline and save the money spent on hiring journalism students to write this boiler-plate. 

 

So, Immigration will be stopping by soon?  Cool, I show them my passport, sign something stating that I'm not stealing jobs from Thais trying to put food into their children mouths, and then my wife has someone to talk to for an hour.  My wife loves talking with the IOs and police when they stop by.  Kui Kui Kui, Chat Chat Chat  ❤️  I don't worry cause my paperwork is in order and I don't work, well unless some yaba high kids decide to stop on the street outside the house to listen to me blast bass guitar while I practice.
 

 

 

*Oversized trolling emoji removed.*

[redwood1]

I sure hope I dont see any of you retired expats selling noodles from a street cart or giving out oil massages for 150 baht a hour to tourist..Or selling the goods ST/LT on beach road in Pattaya, or at the Nana car park......These jobs are reserved for Thais....

[ikke1959]

1 hour ago, redwood1 said:

I sure hope I dont see any of you retired expats selling noodles from a street cart or giving out oil massages for 150 baht a hour to tourist..Or selling the goods ST/LT on beach road in Pattaya, or at the Nana car park......These jobs are reserved for Thais....

Every job is reserved for Thais... Protectionism of the labour market will not bring the country forward