July 16, 2024

In a span of 36 days, more than 100,000 undocumented migrant workers, including over 80,000 Myanmar nationals, were arrested in Thailand, according to a statement released by the Thai Ministry of Labour on July 14. The arrests occurred as part of a 120-day operation to identify and detain undocumented workers.

Between June 5 and July 11, a total of 108,875 undocumented workers were apprehended. Among them were 80,913 Myanmar nationals, 16,507 Cambodians, 7,804 Laotians, 104 Vietnamese, and 3,547 individuals from other countries. Of these, 473 Myanmar, 101 Laotian, 74 Cambodian, 14 Vietnamese, and 64 other nationals have already faced legal action.

Undocumented workers, those without work permits, and those employed in unauthorized job categories face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 Baht. Additionally, they will be deported and barred from re-entering Thailand for two years.

Employers found hiring undocumented workers face fines between 10,000 and 100,000 Baht per worker. Repeat offenders could face up to one year in prison and fines ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 Baht, along with a three-year ban on hiring migrant workers, according to the Director-General of the Department of Employment.

The crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to regulate the employment of migrant workers and ensure compliance with labor laws.