Mr. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Labour, revealed that after receiving an urgent report from authorities in Chonburi Province regarding many Chinese and Myanmar migrant workers illegally employed at a plastic molding factory in Nong Bon Daeng Subdistrict, Ban Bueng District, he immediately instructed the Director-General of the Department of Employment to dispatch a special operations unit to the site. He also stressed the strict enforcement of labor laws.
In addition, the Labour Minister ordered the establishment of a “Committee on the Inspection of Employment Conditions, Forced Labour, and Worst Forms of Child Labour among Migrant Workers” to ensure rigorous oversight across all dimensions, including unfair employment, forced labour or services, and child labour in its worst forms. The goal is to eliminate illegal labour practices.
According to Mr. Somchai Morakotsriwan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, joint operations were carried out with provincial authorities, including the Chonburi Provincial Employment Office, Chonburi Provincial Labour Office, Chonburi Provincial Office of Labour Protection and Welfare, Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Anti-Human Trafficking Division, and local administration. The inspections confirmed 32 illegal migrant workers, 4 Chinese and 28 Myanmar nationals. Of these, 4 had no work permits, while 28 failed to notify changes in employer details or job descriptions within the legal timeframe. One employer was also found guilty and has been charged, with workers and employers referred to Ban Bueng Police Station for prosecution.
Under Thai law, migrant workers without permits face fines of 5,000–50,000 Baht, deportation, and a 2-year ban on applying for new licenses. Employers hiring illegal migrants face fines of 10,000–100,000 Baht per worker; repeat offenses may result in up to 1 year imprisonment, fines of 50,000–200,000 Baht per worker, and a 3-year ban on hiring migrants.
Mr. Pongkawin affirmed, “There will be no tolerance for illegal migrant labor. Violations of Thai labour laws will be fully prosecuted.”
The Ministry of Labour urges the public to report any cases or suspicions of illegal migrant employment to the Central Employment Registration and Worker Protection Division at 02-354-1729, any Provincial Employment Office, the Ministry of Labour Hotline 1506 (press 2), or the Department of Employment Hotline 1694.
