Tragic Case of Ghost Worker Losing Finger to Machine Without Compensation from Korean Employer

A tragic case of a 'ghost worker' who lost a finger to a machine accident and has not received compensation. The wound was left untreated until it worsened, and he is afraid to demand payment from the Korean employer amid suspicions that the employer withheld the money instead of paying.

Thai workers abroad often face numerous challenges including working conditions, safety, labor rights, and accessing legal aid or services. These difficulties are especially pronounced for those far from home who may not know how to claim their rights, particularly undocumented workers, known as “ghost workers,” who face restrictions in documentation and information, making protection and assistance more complicated.

In such situations, experts or advisors familiar with the host country's labor system and laws play a crucial role. They provide guidance to help Thai workers abroad protect their rights properly and safely, while educating them about what actions are possible or limited, enabling workers to make informed decisions.

Ms. Aum, owner of the Facebook page Farida Ma, who posted about a Thai man injured at work but not compensated by his employer in Pohang, South Korea, told the Thairath Online special news team that she normally offers free advice to Thai migrant workers, especially “ghost workers” who may be unaware of procedures or unable to seek help properly.

This case involves a man originally from Udon Thani province who moved to work at a chicken farm in Pohang about five to six months ago. He suffered an accident involving an egg-sorting machine, resulting in a severed finger. This qualifies as a disability. Both legal workers and ghost workers have the right to compensation from employers because all factories are required to have insurance coverage.

His girlfriend returned to Thailand, so she asked Ms. Aum for help. The employer had the injured man sign documents confirming treatment was complete but did not pay compensation. The man has since left Pohang and his condition improved, but doctors had to amputate his entire middle finger. Even if the finger is not severed but unusable, guidelines state he should receive compensation. It’s possible the employer received money but did not pay the worker, a situation that has occurred before.

Ms. Aum advised the man to contact a lawyer who assists foreigners, but he found that inconvenient. Instead, he could contact a private lawyer, who would prepare all necessary documents without hassle. However, he still needs to return to Pohang to sign paperwork.

In conversations with the employer, the employer promised to pay full compensation and provide full care but seemed worried the man might make further claims, since the accident happened at work and compensation is higher for workplace accidents than non-work ones. Ms. Aum advised collecting all evidence carefully and said she would monitor the case closely.

Because the man is a ghost worker, he is afraid to make further demands due to increased immigration enforcement and uncertainty about whom to turn to for help. Therefore, Ms. Aum posted informational guidance on what can or cannot be done to help Thai migrant workers and ghost workers understand their rights.

Ms. Aum further revealed to the news team that the man still has not received actual compensation. His girlfriend said the employer had him sign two documents related to medical expenses legally covered by the employer because the accident occurred at the factory. Whether a ghost worker or a legal worker, the employer is responsible for this. Although Korean immigration strictly enforces against Thai ghost workers, the right to claim compensation remains and is something workers should receive.

Ms. Aum disclosed that many Thai workers have messaged her for help, mainly regarding medical costs, but not all cases are posted on Facebook due to appropriateness considerations. Moreover, ghost workers lack health insurance but there is a Thai assistance center abroad that handles help requests, even if workers cannot proceed on their own. The system is somewhat similar to Thailand’s social security, but in Korea it only pays about 10,000 won per month, approximately 218 baht.