Hi, I've been having some problems with my ex-employer refusing to pay me, insisting that I have broken the contract, when infact it is he that has done this.

Can anybody give me some advice and perhaps the details of a solicitor to contact?

Here is a brief overview.

I started working for a company, (let's call them English Plus).

I agreed to work part-time for them starting in the middle of May. I would be paid an hourly rate and at the start of June my new full-time contract would come into effect.

As far as the contract is concerned, my payment date is the 7th of the month. Therefore, I think it is a reasonable assumption to expect the money for my hours in May to be paid to me on 7th June.

This didn't happen. I asked about it and it was quite clear that the boss wasn't interested in my concerns. This continued up until 23rd June when I had enough. I had been waiting for 16 days for my money from them and it became clear that I wasn't getting paid.

By this stage I had no money left of my own and had to borrow from a friend. I was then approached by a school and decided to take the new job. This is a reputable school and there will be no problems with payment.

Today, I contacted the boss of my old place and he is refusing to pay me any money saying that I broke the contract.

Is there anything that I can do?

My contract started on June 1st, so at the very least I should be entitled to the money for the part-time hours worked in May.

Is this correct? I would be very grateful for any assistance / advice.

Thanks

I assume you had a WP. A visit the labor department is worth a visit. Free legal advisors are available at the labor court on Rama IV in BKK

Edited June 30, 200917 yr by webfact

A decent foreign owned law firm such as Mcevily and Collins will possibly cost you more than the amount you are trying to recover (I don't know that figure) and a local Thai firm would probably not be good enough to get the job done or at least influential enough.

A medium rated Thai law firm would cost approx 15K minimum just to get the ball rolling (not just sending threatening letters) with more billls as the saga continues.

Good luck but weigh up your costs properly first, sometimes it's just best to 'wipe your mouth' and move on with experiences gained.

Regards Bojo

Well, I actually had my existing wp cancelled by my previous employer before I changed to the language centre. So I don't have one now, which will leave my with little chance, I understand.

But surely, I can be paid for the hours worked in May, when I didn't even have a contract.

A decent foreign owned law firm such as Mcevily and Collins will possibly cost you more than the amount you are trying to recover (I don't know that figure) and a local Thai firm would probably not be good enough to get the job done or at least influential enough.

A medium rated Thai law firm would cost approx 15K minimum just to get the ball rolling (not just sending threatening letters) with more billls as the saga continues.

Good luck but weigh up your costs properly first, sometimes it's just best to 'wipe your mouth' and move on with experiences gained.

Regards Bojo

Thats an excellent law firm!!!