Labor Minister MR Chatumongkol Sonakul told the news media this week that 2020 will be a year of going after foreigners illegally working in Thailand.

The labor ministry in partnership with law enforcement and Thai immigration will especially be targeting foreigners on tourist and education visas without work permits, reported Bangkok Biz News (BBN).

The public has been asked to report law breakers by phoning a hotline at 1506 and reporting people you suspect working without a work permit as a future four pronged approach by the Thai authorities is promised.

Jail terms and fines of up to 200,000 baht await employers while tourists caught working without the necessary paperwork could face a 50,000 baht fine and deportation with blacklisting for up to several years.

Chatumongkol’s Department of Employment that issues work permits will be teaming up with the Royal Thai Police, the Immigration Bureau and the Department of Provincial Administration to flush out lawbreakers from Thailand.

DoE chief Suchart Pornchaiwisetkun said that those seeking employment must have non-immigrant visas – those with tourist visas or visitors in transit can’t work in Thailand.

BBN mentioned male and female fashion models,football players and coaches in particular in their article. There has been a major uptick in foreigners working in gyms and as actors and models without permits as well as in sports and arts and entertainment.

The public have been urged to contact the DoE to report offenders on 02 354 1729, contact your regional offices or phone the hotline on 1506 extension 2.

Source: Bangkok Biz News and Thai Visa.