The Labour Ministry has intensified its crackdown on foreign nationals working in occupations reserved for Thai citizens, following more than 4,400 arrests over the past nine months.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered the move in response to the growing number of illegal foreign workers.
Ministry spokesman Phumphat Muanchan said on Sunday that all relevant agencies have been instructed to coordinate efforts to protect the jobs of Thai nationals and prevent the normalisation of illegal employment.
“The public’s eyes and ears are necessary, but progressive working measures are needed to lessen the effect on Thai workers,” Mr. Phumphat said.
He attributed the problem in part to employers seeking to cut costs by bypassing legal hiring procedures. He also criticised some law enforcement officers for failing to press charges, which has contributed to the persistence of the issue.
The ministry is working with the police and the Department of Employment (DoE) to “find, charge, fine and repatriate” illegal foreign workers.
From October 1 to June 13, officials found 4,437 foreigners working in fully prohibited “List-1” occupations, such as street vendors, barbers, traditional masseurs, secretaries, and chauffeurs. Legal action was taken in 417 of those cases.
Additionally, 4,720 foreigners were discovered working in “List-3” conditionally restricted roles like construction, agriculture, fishing, bricklaying, and carpentry, with 53 facing charges.
Another 22,414 foreigners were found in “List-4” jobs such as sales assistants and general labour. Legal proceedings were initiated in 696 cases.
Mr. Phiphat has called for stronger coordination among related agencies to deliver more concrete results in addressing the issue. Employers were also urged to follow labour laws to safeguard Thai employment and support the standardisation of the recruitment system.
Members of the public who witness illegal employment of foreign nationals in restricted occupations are encouraged to report cases to the DoE’s Central Employment Registration and Workers Protection Division.
