Surat Thani, March 15, 2025 – Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, led the special task force “Trai Thep Phithak” to Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province, to inspect the work of foreign workers in tourism establishments, and enforce the law in all dimensions, including illegal employment, forced labour, and the use of child labour in the worst forms. The inspection also aimed to accelerate the suppression of illegal workers, protect careers reserved for Thais, and create balance in the labour market. High-ranking officials from many agencies also joined the inspection, such as Pol. Lt. Col. Kritsanaporn Phichphon, Superintendent of News Analysis and Special Equipment, Technology Crime Suppression Division 5, Tourist Police Division 3, Operations Officer, Intelligence Division, ISOC, Air Chief Marshal Athikun Kongmee, Advisor to the Minister on Illegal Worker Management, Mr. Pichet Thongphan, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Labour, Department of Employment, and the Royal Thai Navy.
Mr. Phiphat spoke about the results of foreign worker inspections in the area. From inspections of 15 establishments and 251 workers, 201 foreign workers were identified (110 from Myanmar, 10 from Laos, 80 from Cambodia, and one from Russia), of which 8 were illegal workers. Of the illicit workers, two were working without permits (one from Russia and one from Laos). Six were working in the wrong category from what they were permitted (6 from Myanmar), which is a violation of Section 8 of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment B.E. 2560 and its amendments.
Mr. Phiphat confirmed that the Ministry of Labour is moving forward with proactive inspections and promoting the inward movement of labour through MOUs to reduce the problem of illegal workers and create stability in the labour market. It aims to control unlawful foreign workers and to create a balance between the use of foreign workers in the tourism industry and the protection of reserved occupations for Thai workers. There are penalties for illegal workers and employers who violate the law. Foreign workers without work permits face fines of 5,000 to 50,000 Baht and deportation. Employers who hire illegal workers face fines of 10,000 to 100,000 Baht per person. If the offense is repeated, they face imprisonment for up to 1 year or a fine of 50,000 to 200,000 Baht, and they are banned from hiring foreign workers for 3 years.
Mr. Phiphat confirmed that the Ministry of Labour is moving forward with proactive inspections and promoting the inward movement of labour through MOUs to reduce the problem of illegal workers and create stability in the labour market. It aims to control illegal foreign workers and to create a balance between the use of foreign workers in the tourism industry and the protection of reserved occupations for Thai workers.
“Foreign workers are a key force in the tourism industry, but they must be within the legal framework and not take jobs from Thai workers. The Ministry of Labour will strictly monitor, inspect, and enforce the law,” concluded Mr. Phiphat.
