Mr. Samas Patmasukon, Director-General of the Department of Employment, revealed that the Department of Employment prioritizes the legal employment of foreign workers. He instructed its affiliated agencies, both central and regional, to intensify inspections of migrant workers and strictly enforce the law against employers. This includes both undocumented workers and those engaging in occupations reserved for Thai citizens. The department acknowledges public concerns about migrant workers illegally working in occupations designated for Thais only, such as street vending, Thai massage, hairdressing, beauty services, and driving. Previously, the Department of Employment collaborated with the Immigration Bureau, the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, the Internal Security Operations Command, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration district offices, and other security agencies to conduct thorough and continuous inspections of migrant workers nationwide, including in economic zones, tourist areas, and migrant worker communities, as well as investigating complaints received. Along with proactive measures to raise awareness among employers, the public, and community leaders about the laws, the impact of foreign workers taking jobs from Thai citizens, and the correct employment procedures, the aim is to prevent violations from the outset.

For the fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 – September 1, 2026), 74,265 establishments employing foreign workers were inspected nationwide, resulting in 1,721 prosecutions. 888,620 foreign workers were also inspected, leading to 5,330 prosecutions. Of these, 1,792 were foreign workers who took jobs from Thai citizens. The Department of Employment warns employers, establishments, and foreign workers to strictly comply with the law. Violators face fines of 5,000 to 50,000 baht, deportation to their country of origin, and the inability to apply for a new work permit for two years. Employers or establishments that hire foreign workers without permits or allow them to work outside of their authorized scope will also face penalties. Violators will be subject to fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 baht per worker. Repeat offenders face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of 50,000 to 200,000 baht per person, and a three-year ban on employing foreign workers.

“Allowing foreign workers to work in Thailand is based on the needs of businesses and manufacturing sectors that face labor shortages. The government has strict regulatory measures in place to ensure a balance between the country's labor needs and the protection of employment opportunities for Thai citizens. However, the Department of Employment will continue to inspect and enforce the law rigorously to prevent illegal employment or occupations that negatively impact the employment opportunities of Thai citizens,” said the Director-General of the Department of Employment.

We request the cooperation of the public, employers, and businesses to strictly comply with the law, including refraining from employing or using the services of foreigners who engage in illegal occupations. If you witness illegal employment of foreign workers or foreigners working beyond their permitted scope, please report it to the Central Employment Registration and Job Seeker Protection Division, Department of Employment. Ministry of Labour Building, 4th Floor, Tel. 0 2354 1386, or at any Provincial Employment Office, Bangkok Metropolitan Employment Office Area 1-10, or the Department of Employment Hotline 1506, press 2.

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