Authorities have stopped 243 Thai citizens departing for South Korea in the past month where they were planning to work illegally, said Labour Minister Adul Sangsingkeo.
The 243 were part of a group of 279 people stopped under suspicion of travelling abroad to work unlawfully. The other 36 individuals had plans to work in Bahrain, China, and Russia.
Pol Gen Adul said in the last month alone, it is estimated that 6,327 Thais have flown out of Suvarnabhumi to work abroad illegally, noting 37.6% of them, or 2,371 people, went to Taiwan. Other popular destinations include Japan, South Korea, and Israel.
In response to this growing trend, the Department of Employment (DoE) has asked surveillance personnel at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to stop Thai citizens travelling abroad for the purpose of unlawful employment, he said.
Officers are also examining websites suspected of offering people work in foreign countries. Once authorities uncover proof of an offence, the people involved will be dealt with immediately, Pol Gen Adul said.
Authorities are also posting messages online to provide people with correct information on working abroad legally, he said.
The minister urged Thais who want to work overseas to seek information about the country they want to travel to and their employment details. That would help them assess whether it is worth travelling there for work.
Those who want to work abroad should do so legitimately so they have access to benefits provided by their employers and state authorities, he said.
They can seek information on how to go about working abroad legally at the DoE's provincial offices. Alternatively, they can also call 02-248-4792, or Hotline 1506 Ext 2.
