Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

An Italian wood carver was arrested on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, for working in a profession reserved exclusively for Thai nationals. The 36-year-old suspect, whose name has been withheld, was detained at his residence, which doubled as a workspace. Authorities discovered and confiscated 12 wood-working tools during the operation.

 

The arrest occurred in the presence of two foreign customers who were there to view the craftsman's work. The suspect confessed to the charge, stating his expertise in wood carving and noting that his primary clientele comprised foreigners. A wooden frame he crafted was valued at around 3,000 baht.

 

This case highlights the enforcement of regulations concerning employment reserved for locals. Koh Phangan, a popular tourist destination, has strict rules about the types of jobs foreigners can engage in. The Italian's arrest serves as a reminder to expatriates and tourists about adhering to local employment laws.

 

Experts suggest such cases emphasize the need for awareness among foreigners residing or working in Thailand. Violating employment restrictions not only affects the individual but can also strain diplomatic relations. Authorities have urged foreigners to comply with local regulations to avoid legal issues.

 

Looking forward, the case may lead to increased scrutiny of foreign workers in Thailand. Authorities might enhance checks to ensure compliance, potentially impacting those working in similar prohibited professions. Meanwhile, the suspect faces legal proceedings that could result in fines or deportation.

 

Key Takeaways

• An Italian wood carver arrested in Thailand for a job reserved for Thais.
• Enforcement highlights strict adherence to local employment laws.
• Increased scrutiny of foreign workers in similar roles could occur.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-11-11

 

 

Well, crafts including wood carving, are including in banned occupations for foreigners, so no excuse there.

Ludicrous protectionism....

48 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Ludicrous protectionism....

I don't agree.  

2 hours ago, scorecard said:

I don't agree.  

For the big stuff I agree with you, but the small guy just knocking out small stuff for the locals for some beer money isn't really hurting anyone.

If it's not a commercial scale or selling online let it be.

And certainly not preventing a Thai from working.

It's their rules, if you want to play you must follow the rules.  He didn't.

 

carving a living here is like getting Blood out of a stone 

jealous people here  maybe they not have the tools 

better here in everything you do is keep low profile don't let people see what you are doing .

if you make something anything let the misses sell it and keep her mouth shut where she get the goods from  

 

works good

I predicted this a couple of months back now that the out of control Israelis would bring other foreigners down with them eventually.

In no way, shape or form can an argument be made that he's preventing a single Thai person from gainful employment. It's very likely that he's making something totally unlike anything a Thai person would create, and that he has a very unique set of skills unlike anything found here. 

 

You can argue that he's breaking the letter of the law, but the law has to make sense, and in this case it simply doesn't. 

 

This kind of thing simply amounts to overzealous protectionism, this is a small quantity of work that he's producing, and he's not hurting anybody in the process. 

This Italian guy might have been making wood carving that has noting to do with Thai culture... seems a little draconian to ban art in general unless you are a Thai. If anywhere in the West did this there would be howls of protest and you would be able to hear it on the moon.