Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai government has instructed security agencies to coordinate with employment offices in border provinces to step up monitoring, inspections, prevention and arrests of foreign workers who enter the country illegally.
In a statement, Thai Deputy Government Spokesperson Aiyarin Phanrit said relevant authorities have also been instructed to conduct strict on-site inspections of migrant workers and their workplaces in order to prevent the use of illegal labour. She added that if illegal work is found, legal action will be taken decisively.
Specifically, foreign nationals who work without a valid work permit, or who work beyond the scope permitted under their permit, will be fined between 5,000 and 50,000 THB (approximately 159–1,598 USD), deported to their home countries, and barred from applying for a work permit for two years thereafter.
Meanwhile, employers who hire foreign workers without work permits, or allow them to work beyond the permitted scope, will face fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 THB for each violation. Repeat offenders may be sentenced to up to one year in prison or fined 50,000–200,000 THB per violation, and will also be prohibited from employing foreign workers for three years.
According to Aiyarin, the government has called on all parties to cooperate in ensuring strict compliance with the law, protecting the rights of foreign workers, and building a standardised employment system. Citizens are encouraged to report violations to the relevant authorities or via official hotlines./.
