The Department of Employment is intensifying inspections of migrant workers, revealing that over 800,000 individuals were checked in 2026. It emphasized that certain reserved occupations are exclusively for Thais—foreigners working in these roles face penalties including arrest, fines, and deportation.
On 2 Sep 2026, Mr. Samas Patmasukon, Director-General of the Department of Employment, stated that the department prioritizes strict oversight of foreign workers' employment in accordance with the law. He ordered all affiliated agencies, both central and regional, to increase scrutiny of migrant workers' employment alongside firm legal enforcement against employers. This applies to workers without valid work permits and those illegally working in occupations reserved for Thais, recognizing societal concerns about migrants unlawfully occupying jobs designated solely for Thai nationals, such as street vending, traditional Thai massage, hair cutting, beauty services, and vehicle driving.
Previously, the Department of Employment has collaborated closely with the Immigration Bureau, Anti-Human Trafficking Division, Internal Security Operations Command, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and local security agencies to conduct serious and ongoing inspections of migrant workers nationwide. This includes economic zones, tourist areas, migrant worker communities, and investigations based on complaint reports. Concurrently, proactive public relations efforts have been carried out to raise awareness among employers, the public, and community leaders about legal requirements, the impact of migrants taking Thai jobs, and proper hiring procedures to prevent violations from the start.
Mr. Samas reported that during fiscal year 2026 (Oct 2025 – 1 Sep 2026), inspections covered 74,265 establishments employing migrant workers nationwide, with legal actions taken against 1,721 establishments. Additionally, 888,620 migrant workers were inspected, with 5,330 prosecuted, including 1,792 migrants illegally occupying jobs reserved for Thais.
The Department of Employment warns employers, establishments, and migrant workers to strictly comply with the law. Violators face fines from 5,000 to 50,000 baht, deportation to their home countries, and a two-year ban on reapplying for work permits. Employers or establishments hiring migrants without permits or allowing work beyond authorized scope face fines between 10,000 and 100,000 baht per worker. Repeat offenses carry penalties of up to one year imprisonment or fines from 50,000 to 200,000 baht per person, along with a three-year ban on hiring migrant workers.
“Allowing migrant workers to work in Thailand is based on the business and production sectors’ labor shortages. The government enforces strict controls to balance the country’s labor needs with protecting employment opportunities for Thais. The Department of Employment will continue to rigorously inspect and enforce laws to prevent illegal work or occupations that affect Thai workers' job opportunities,” said the Director-General of the Department of Employment. ,
The Department calls on the public, employers, and establishments to strictly follow the law and refrain from hiring or using the services of foreigners working illegally. Anyone who witnesses illegal employment of migrant workers or foreigners working beyond permitted rights can report tips to the Central Employment Registration and Job Seeker Protection Division, Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor Building, 4th Floor, Tel. 0 2354 1386; or at any provincial employment office, Bangkok Metropolitan Employment Offices 1–10; or the Department of Employment hotline 1506, press 2.