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

[1sickpuppy]

On 6/16/2025 at 8:33 AM, webfact said:

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

 

 

How about targeting the Digital nomads  here Butt coin scammers ect, never pay tax and live like kings is a joke

[ikke1959]

5 hours ago, ujayujay said:

.....and within a very short time the market will be flooded with cheap foreign workers......do you have any more such great ideas, like "It will stimulate the economy"...... or is your post just stupid Thai bashing?

yes sure.. cheap workers who are working long hours and get paid nothing or less than Thai people would get... That is why Thai people don't do these jobs.. They want to have big wages only.... In my neighbourhood and village several Thai people and also me can not find a Thai gardener as they only want to have a big payment and short working hours... Just an example... If a Myanmar gardener will do the job he can easily make money.. That brings money in his pocket that he will spend on  food and articles to live with which is coming in the Thai economy, but we all can't find anyone.. Strange isn't it?? so I do my job and my neighbours do their own gardens and the Thai economy will not get any benefit... But maybe you are not realizing that. It is just a simple example