Thai authorities have intensified efforts to curb illegal employment of foreign nationals in occupations reserved for Thai citizens, resulting in over 4,400 arrests between October 2024 and mid-June 2025, the Ministry of Labour announced on 16 June.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the presence of undocumented foreign workers in roles specifically protected for Thai nationals. According to Labour Ministry spokesman Phumphat Muanchan, the initiative, led by Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, aims to safeguard domestic employment opportunities and prevent the normalization of illegal hiring practices, which he said have become widespread.
From 1 October 2024 to 13 June 2025, authorities identified 4,437 foreigners employed in “List-1” occupations, which are strictly prohibited for expats. These roles include street vendors, hairdressers, traditional Thai masseurs, secretaries, and chauffeurs. Legal action has been initiated against 417 of those cases, the ministry confirmed.
Additional violations were recorded among “List-3” and “List-4” job categories, which are conditionally restricted. These include construction, agriculture, and fishing under List-3, and shop assistants or general labourers under List-4. The ministry reported finding 4,720 and 22,414 foreigners in violation under Lists 3 and 4, respectively, pressing charges against 53 and 696 individuals in each category.
Officials attribute the problem in part to employers seeking to reduce costs by hiring undocumented workers, and to lapses in legal enforcement. The Labour Ministry has pledged to work closely with the Department of Employment and national police to locate, charge, fine, and repatriate those in violation.
Labour Minister Phiphat has also called on employers to strictly adhere to employment laws and ensure proper recruitment procedures are followed to protect Thai workers. In addition, the public has been encouraged to report suspected illegal employment directly to the Department of Employment’s Central Employment Registration and Workers Protection Division.
