Phuket labour officials step up checks on foreign workers

Thailand’s Labour Ministry is stepping up inspections of foreign workers and businesses in Phuket amid concerns about illegal employment and suspected nominee arrangements.

Pipatchai Paiboon, political spokesman for the Ministry of Labour, met provincial labour officials and agencies at the Phuket Provincial Employment Office on Friday, 14 August. He was briefed on the situation involving Thai and foreign workers.

The inspections will examine whether foreign workers hold valid work permits and visas and whether their employment complies with Thai law. Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum has assigned Vice Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp to lead inspections in Mueang Phuket, Thalang and Kathu districts.

The action follows a 6 August meeting at which the Thai Mai Tonn, or “Thais Will Not Tolerate”, group submitted information about alleged illegal foreign employment and suspected businesses using Thai nationals as nominees. The group has called for tougher action against foreigners allegedly working in occupations reserved for Thai people.

The group has also raised concerns about activity at the market on Ranong Road in Phuket Town, alleging that foreigners are involved in retail sales, beauty salons, brokerage and other occupations restricted under Ministry of Labour regulations. These allegations have prompted authorities to review work permits, visas and company ownership structures across the province.

Officials reported that 10,889 businesses in Phuket employ foreign workers, with 89,982 foreign workers employed across the main sectors listed. The briefing also gave separate figures of 17,041 workers authorised under Section 59 of the Foreigners’ Working Management Act, 53 under Section 62, 208 under Section 63/1 and 95,486 under Section 63/2.

The Thai Mai Tonn group has proposed a “Phuket Model” for clearer and more consistent enforcement against illegal employment and suspected nominee businesses. Its proposals will be forwarded by the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Centre to the governor and relevant agencies for consideration.

Pipatchai said local information and facts were important when deciding appropriate measures, particularly to prevent foreigners from entering occupations reserved for Thai people. He also called for better communication and public understanding of the legal management of foreign workers.

Later on Friday, Pipatchai and his delegation visited the Phuket Province Work Permit Issuance Center for Foreigners at Robinson Lifestyle Shopping Center, Chalong Branch. They reviewed the centre’s services, heard about operational problems and received suggestions from people involved in the process.

The spokesman said the ministry would continue monitoring foreign-worker management to ensure it was efficient, systematic and lawful. He also visited Phuket Skill Development Institute 21, where he presented certificates to people who had completed a teaching techniques course and inspected a bamboo oil massage training course.