Bangkok: The government is accelerating its investigation into illegal companies that lure workers abroad, and is using legal measures to warn Thai citizens not to fall victim to this scam. Lieutenant Colonel Patthadarasmi Thongsalooykorn, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, addressed the case of numerous victims in Chiang Rai province who were allegedly deceived by a recruitment agency into working in Ireland and lost large sums of money. She stated that the government, through the Ministry of Labour, has instructed relevant agencies to assist all victims and prosecute the fraudsters who impersonated and deceived the workers into working abroad.
According to Thai News Agency, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office reminded the public who wish to work abroad not to be misled by advertisements on social media or companies claiming to be able to arrange employment abroad. There are only five legal ways to work abroad: registered recruitment agencies with the Department of Employment send workers; the Department of Employment sends workers; workers travel independently; Thai employers take their employees to work abroad; and Thai employers send their employees for training abroad.
According to the Employment Agency and Job Seeker Protection Act B.E. 2528 (1985), penalties are stipulated for offenders who deceive workers into working abroad. Those who illegally arrange employment without permission are subject to imprisonment from 3 to 10 years, or a fine from 60,000 to 200,000 baht, or both. Furthermore, advertising employment services without permission from the Department of Employment is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 3 years, or a fine not exceeding 60,000 baht, or both.
Captain Patthadarasmi further emphasized that those who travel abroad for work by illegally leaving the country or through natural border crossings are not only at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking, but are also violating immigration laws.