Thailand’s Department of Employment has initiated an investigation into a fraudulent employment scheme where 250 individuals were tricked into paying between 60,000 and 120,000 baht for non-existent farm jobs in Australia.
The hopeful job seekers, primarily from Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Sakhon Nakhon, arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on Saturday night, expecting to depart for Australia.
However, they were informed by airline personnel that there were no reservations made for them. The employment agent, known only as “Ms. Oy”, did not appear at the airport.
Following this, the job seekers proceeded to the police station at the airport to lodge complaints against Ms. Oy who later turned herself in at the station to respond to the allegations.
Despite her appearance, she claimed to be merely a middleman, having been promised 2,000 baht for each recruit. She further alleged that the upfront payments were forwarded to another woman, referred to as “Ms. Fah”, who is purportedly linked to an employment agency.
Somchai Morakotsriwan, the Director-General of the Department of Employment, confirmed to the press later that the job seekers had indeed been deceived as there are no records of the implicated employment agency having authorization to recruit Thais for overseas work.
He also stated that his department is currently conducting interviews with all the job seekers to compile evidence against the actual fraudsters who, upon conviction, might face suspension or cancellation of their operating licenses.
He further revealed that there are no current openings in the Australian farm sector for foreign workers, noting that candidates need to pass language and skill assessments before obtaining employment there.
Finally, he advised all affected individuals to report to the Crime Suppression Division tomorrow, as this unit is more adept at handling cases involving a large number of victims.
