Bangkok – Thai authorities have intensified efforts to regulate the country’s foreign workforce, inspecting over 500,000 workers and prosecuting thousands for labor law violations in a six-month campaign ending in April 2025. The Department of Employment’s sweeping operation, targeting businesses across key economic zones, has reignited debates over labor policies, migrant rights, and the balance between protecting local jobs and meeting economic demands.

Scale of the Crackdown

Between October 1, 2024, and April 18, 2025, the Department of Employment inspected 38,734 businesses employing foreign workers nationwide. Of these, 1,329 businesses faced legal action for breaching labor regulations. During the same period, 523,706 foreign workers were scrutinized, with the majority hailing from neighboring Myanmar (398,493), followed by Cambodia (70,371), Laos (32,983), and smaller numbers from Vietnam, China, and other countries.

Out of those inspected, 2,575 workers were prosecuted for violating Thai labor laws. A significant portion—883 individuals—were charged with working in occupations reserved exclusively for Thai nationals, such as selling goods, barbering, driving, and massage therapy. Among those prosecuted for engaging in restricted roles, 481 were from Myanmar, 139 from Cambodia, and 109 from Laos, with smaller numbers from other nations including Vietnam and India.

Other common violations included working without valid permits or engaging in roles beyond the scope of their permits, particularly in storefront positions, construction, and general labor. Penalties for workers found in breach of these laws are severe, with fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 Thai Baht (US$140 to US$1,400) as of the upload date exchange rate, alongside deportation and a two-year ban on applying for new work permits.

Employer Accountability

Businesses employing foreign workers illegally also faced stringent repercussions. Employers hiring workers without permits or allowing them to work outside permitted roles are subject to fines of 10,000 to 100,000 Thai Baht (US$280 to US$2,800) per worker. Repeat offenders risk imprisonment of up to one year, fines between 50,000 and 200,000 Thai Baht (US$1,400 to US$5,600) per worker, and a three-year ban on hiring foreign labor.

The Department of Employment’s director-general, Somchai Morakotsriwan, emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing these regulations. “Authorities are not turning a blind eye to the issue” he stated, adding that officials have been instructed to conduct random inspections across the country. Targeted areas include major economic hubs like Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, as well as commercial zones with high concentrations of foreign workers such as Yaowarat, Huai Khwang, and Victory Monument.

Thailand’s economy heavily relies on foreign labor, particularly in low-wage sectors like construction, agriculture, and hospitality. Workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos often fill roles that many Thai nationals are unwilling to take due to low pay or harsh conditions. However, the government has long sought to protect certain occupations for its citizens, aiming to safeguard local employment opportunities amid economic fluctuations.

The recent crackdown comes against a backdrop of growing public concern over illegal immigration and job competition. In urban centers like Bangkok and tourist hubs such as Phuket and Pattaya, foreign workers are a visible presence, often running small businesses or working in service industries. While some Thais argue that these workers undercut local wages, others acknowledge their contribution to sectors struggling with labor shortages.

The policy of reserving specific occupations for Thai nationals reflects a broader push to prioritize local employment, but it also raises questions about enforcement feasibility. Roles like barbering or driving, often taken up by foreign workers due to demand, are difficult to monitor comprehensively, especially in informal economies. Critics of the crackdown suggest that the focus on prosecution may deter migrant workers from seeking legal employment pathways, potentially driving labor underground.

Human Rights and Migrant Perspectives

Advocates for migrant workers have expressed concern over the punitive nature of the inspections. Deportation and lengthy bans on re-entry can devastate families who depend on remittances sent home by workers in Thailand. Many foreign workers, particularly from Myanmar, flee conflict or economic hardship, viewing Thailand as a refuge despite the risks of working illegally.

The fines imposed on workers, often equivalent to several months’ wages, are seen by some as disproportionately harsh. A construction worker from Cambodia, speaking anonymously to local media, described the fear of random inspections: “We just want to work and send money to our families. If they catch us, we lose everything” he said. Such testimonies highlight the precarious balance between enforcement and humanitarian considerations.

Non-governmental organizations have called for reforms to Thailand’s labor permit system, arguing that it is overly complex and costly for many low-income workers. Streamlining the process, they suggest, could reduce illegal employment while ensuring workers are protected under Thai law. Others advocate for bilateral agreements with neighboring countries to manage labor migration more effectively, addressing root causes like poverty and instability.

Regional Implications

Thailand’s labor policies resonate beyond its borders, influencing migration patterns across Southeast Asia. As one of the region’s economic powerhouses, the kingdom serves as a magnet for workers from less developed neighbors. The crackdown may push some migrants to seek opportunities elsewhere, such as in Malaysia or Singapore, where labor laws and enforcement vary widely.

At the same time, deportations could strain diplomatic ties with countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, whose citizens make up the bulk of Thailand’s foreign workforce. These nations rely on labor migration as a source of foreign currency through remittances, and any significant reduction in worker numbers could have economic repercussions at home.

Within Thailand, the focus on key economic zones for inspections suggests a strategic approach to enforcement, prioritizing areas with high visibility and economic stakes. Bangkok, as the capital and a hub for commerce, alongside tourist destinations like Phuket and Pattaya, are seen as critical to maintaining public confidence in labor policies. Yet, rural areas with significant agricultural labor may also require attention, as violations are often less visible but equally prevalent.

Looking Ahead

As Thailand continues its campaign to regulate foreign labor, the long-term impact on its economy and social fabric remains uncertain. Balancing the need for migrant workers with the protection of local jobs is a delicate task, one that requires not just enforcement but also systemic reforms to address the underlying drivers of illegal employment.

Public opinion on the issue is divided, with some calling for stricter measures and others advocating for compassion toward vulnerable workers. Meanwhile, businesses caught in the crossfire face their own challenges, navigating fines and labor shortages. As inspections persist in major hubs and beyond, the question lingers: can Thailand forge a labor policy that serves both its citizens and the migrants who help sustain its growth?