The Thai government has recently launched a large-scale operation to crack down on illegal foreign workers, attracting significant social attention. According to XTHAI, a Thai news outlet, over the past nine months, more than 4400 foreigners have been arrested for engaging in occupations prohibited by Thai law, causing turbulence in the job market.
This inspection is led by the Thai Minister of Labor, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, in collaboration with the police and employment agencies, implementing a three-step strategy of "search, prosecute, and deport." The focus is on foreign workers illegally engaged in "Thai-exclusive occupations," such as Thai massage therapists, taxi drivers, and street vendors, which are categorized as "Class 1" restricted jobs.
According to data from the Thai Ministry of Labor, 4437 people have been dealt with, of which 417 have entered the judicial process. Additionally, investigations have found that some foreigners are illegally employed in sectors like construction and agriculture, which are also targets of the crackdown.
Greater concerns arise as some employers, to reduce labor costs, hire illegal foreign workers, and even some law enforcement officers condone or overlook such practices, further complicating governance. In this regard, a representative from the Thai Factory Department, Pengfa Wan Zan, stated that there is indeed a dilemma between protecting the interests of Thai workers and ensuring labor supply when formulating policies.
To enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement, the government urges all employers to strictly abide by the law, not to cross legal boundaries, and encourages the public to actively report illegal foreign labor. Relevant information can be submitted to the Employment Security Department under the Ministry of Education.
Although Thailand is facing challenges such as an aging population and labor shortages, in the long run, it may need to introduce more foreign workers. However, the current policy priority remains to protect the employment rights of Thai citizens, and the "battle for jobs" is set to continue.
