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The Thai government has intensified border inspections following reports of rising illegal migrant employment, warning both employers and workers that strict penalties will be enforced for labour law violations.
Thailand has stepped up border checks and workplace inspections to curb the illegal entry and employment of migrant workers, as authorities move to tighten compliance with labour laws across the country.
Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office said the move follows reports of large numbers of workers from neighbouring countries entering Thailand illegally in search of employment. In response, the government has instructed security agencies to work closely with provincial employment offices in border areas.
Tighter surveillance and on-site inspections
According to Deputy Spokesperson Airin, the intensified measures focus on surveillance, inspection, prevention, and interception of illegal migrant labour. This includes stricter on-site inspections of workplaces and checks on the legal status of foreign workers.
Authorities have been told to take decisive legal action against any violations found, whether by employers or employees.
Penalties for workers and employers
Deputy Spokesperson Airin explained that foreign nationals working without a valid work permit, or carrying out work beyond what is authorised, face fines ranging from THB5,000 to THB50,000. They may also be deported to their country of origin and barred from applying for a new work permit for two years from the date of the penalty.
Employers found hiring foreign workers without permits, or allowing them to work beyond their authorised scope, face fines of between THB10,000 and THB100,000 per worker.
For repeat offenders, penalties are significantly harsher. These include imprisonment of up to one year, fines of between THB50,000 and THB200,000 per worker, and a ban on employing foreign workers for up to three years.
Call for compliance to protect workers’ rights
The government has called on all establishments to comply fully with labour laws, saying this is necessary to protect the rights of Thai workers and ensure a fair and standardised employment system.
Members of the public who come across the illegal employment of foreign workers have also been urged to report such cases. Reports can be made to the Central Employment Registration and Jobseeker Protection Division, Bangkok Employment Offices Areas 1 to 10, provincial employment offices nationwide, or the Ministry of Labour hotline.
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