Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is set to summon private recruitment agencies and employers nationwide to investigate allegations of unlawful fees charged to foreign workers. Workers reportedly paid 2,500 baht each, supposedly to cover online work permit renewals.

 

DSI Director Pol Col Yuthana Praedam revealed that the investigation began after inspections of four Bangkok-based recruitment offices on 3 July, which were facilitating work permit renewals for Cambodian labourers in Khlong Sam Wa District. Evidence indicated that some 180,000 Cambodian workers may have been extorted, with financial transactions traced through Thai “mule” accounts and accounts linked to senior Cambodian officials. The probe also uncovered potential involvement of Thai government officials.

 

Investigators have already questioned employers, business operators, Ministry of Labour officials and company directors in the district, with many providing helpful testimony. Thai “mule account” holders, both individuals and companies, have also supplied information to the DSI.

 

Following the Special Case Committee’s approval to treat this matter as a special case under Section 21 of the 2004 DSI Act, investigators will now broaden their inquiries. They plan to summon further witnesses, particularly those who received payments from employers on behalf of Cambodian workers, which reportedly involve millions of baht.

 

Pol Lt Col Thanawat Wong-ananchai, a DSI special case expert, said the agency has already collected dozens of witness statements and will continue gathering evidence meticulously. Investigators aim to track the flow of payments, determine the exact number of affected workers, and clarify how and why funds were transferred to various accounts, including those held by both Thai and foreign nationals.

 

The DSI has indicated that additional searches and evidence collection may be conducted under court orders if necessary. The investigation will also examine the possible involvement of Thai and Cambodian officials in the alleged extortion, in coordination with the Ministry of Labour.

 

This case highlights ongoing concerns over corruption and exploitation within Thailand’s foreign labour system, particularly in the recruitment and work permit process for Cambodian workers.

 

Related article:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1369021-dsi-probes-thai-‘mule-accounts’-in-cambodian-labour-bribery-case/

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-08-19

 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Workers reportedly paid 2,500 baht each, supposedly to cover online work permit renewals.

I thought they didn´t have work-permits for online work. Otherwise 2500 would be a fantastic price.