Thai authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal foreign workers, leading to consecutive arrests of Myanmar migrants working without proper permits. Recent incidents include the arrest of a Myanmar teacher who was conducting online Thai language classes and seven Myanmar nationals working at a restaurant in Chiang Mai. The arrests highlight the strict enforcement of labor laws against unauthorized foreign workers in Thailand.
The Myanmar teacher arrested in Samut Sakhon province was conducting basic Thai language courses online for two months, charging 1,500 baht per group through online channels using the Zoom platform. According to Thai law, it is illegal for foreigners to work without a work permit or engage in activities beyond their permitted scope of work. The arrest was carried out through a joint operation between Thai immigration authorities and the police force.
Thailand maintains a list of 40 occupations restricted for migrant workers, with 27 of these being completely prohibited. Migrant workers found working without proper documentation or exceeding their authorized work permissions face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht and deportation. The strict enforcement of these regulations aims to protect jobs reserved for Thai nationals and maintain control over foreign labor in the country.
Employers also face severe penalties for hiring unauthorized workers or assigning them tasks beyond their permitted scope. The fines for employers range from 10,000 to 100,000 baht per worker. Repeat offenses can result in imprisonment for up to one year, fines between 50,000 to 200,000 baht, and a three-year suspension of their right to employ workers. These measures demonstrate Thailand’s serious approach to regulating foreign labor and maintaining compliance with national employment laws.
