On February 21, 2025, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, to lead the special task force “Trai Thep Phithak” to inspect the work of illegal foreign workers and human trafficking at MBK. Twenty-two foreign workers were found in jobs reserved for Thais, 20 of whom were from Myanmar, one from Syria, and one from India. This search was an integrated collaboration between the Office of the Permanent Secretary of Labour, the Department of Employment, and the Royal Thai Police, with Pathum Wan Police Station supporting the mission. The officers took the foreign workers to Pathum Wan Police Station for legal proceedings.
Mr. Pichet Thongphan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, said that today’s inspection of foreign workers by the Trai Thep Phithak Task Force is in line with the policy of Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, who has strict regulations on foreign workers in Thailand. In addition, Thai employers have complained via the Ministry of Labour’s 1506 hotline that foreign workers have entered the industry and taken jobs from Thais in many areas. Foreigners who work without a work permit or work beyond their rights will be fined 5,000-50,000 Baht and will be deported. Employers who hire foreigners without work permits or allow foreigners to work beyond their rights will be fined 10,000-100,000 Baht per foreigner employed. If the offense is repeated, they will be imprisoned for no more than 1 year or fined 50,000-200,000 Baht, or both, and will be prohibited from hiring foreigners for 3 years. If anyone finds any information about wrongdoing by foreign workers in the country, you can report it to the Ministry of Labour’s hotline at 1506 or to the Trai Thep Phithak Task Force, Ministry of Labour, Mitmaitri Road, Din Daeng District, Bangkok 10400, so that legal action can be taken.
“Let me remind you that we are serious and will be more strict nationwide. Therefore, we ask that employers who hire foreign workers do so in accordance with the law. Otherwise, we will take legal action without exception,” said Mr. Pichet.
