June 5–6, 2025 – under the directive of Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labour, the Ministry of Labour intensified its ongoing policy to regulate and enforce proper employment practices for migrant workers across Thailand. The move is part of the strategy to eliminate illegal foreign labour, prevent job displacement of Thai nationals, and ensure compliance with Thailand’s foreign labour laws. Mr. Pichet Thongpan, the Ministry of Labour’s Inspector-General, was assigned to lead the “Trai Thep Phithak Special Task Force” to inspect businesses in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. The inspections targeted a variety of establishments including Thai massage parlours, mobile phone shops, general merchandise stores, vegetable and meat vendors, and construction sites.
Mr. Phiphat said that a total of 14 foreign workers (6 men and 8 women) were found in violation of the Foreign Workers Management Decree B.E. 2560 and its amendments. This included 12 working outside the permitted job scope, 9 from Myanmar (5 men, 4 women), and 3 stateless individuals (1 man, 2 women). Two workers were working without a valid work permit, both from Myanmar (2 women). All 14 individuals were handed over to the Hat Yai Police Station for further legal proceedings.
“If you notice foreign workers occupying jobs reserved for Thais or working without a work permit, please report it to the Ministry of Labour’s Tri Thep Phithak Task Force. The workers and employers will be prosecuted according to the law,” said Mr. Phiphat.
