Phuket authorities have launched a new wave of inspections targeting foreign nationals working in jobs reserved exclusively for Thai citizens. The operation, which took place on June 6, saw local officials from the Phuket Employment Office teaming up with national police and immigration officers to investigate multiple businesses suspected of violating Thailand’s Foreign Employment Act.
While specific names were not disclosed, officials confirmed that several companies across key areas of Phuket—including Rawai and Chalong—were visited. The inspections focused on businesses such as massage shops, travel agencies, and real estate offices, where foreign nationals were allegedly working in roles legally protected for Thai citizens only.
This comes as a firm reminder: Thailand has strict laws governing which jobs foreigners are allowed to do, and working outside these permitted roles—even informally—can result in heavy penalties, including deportation.
🔍 What’s Behind the Crackdown?
According to authorities, the inspections were part of an ongoing effort to ensure compliance with Thai labor laws, especially in high-tourism areas like Phuket where expat-run businesses are common. Officials are paying closer attention to potential cases of:
- Foreigners working without the proper work permits
- Nominee arrangements (where a Thai national falsely appears to own or run the business)
- Foreigners performing jobs restricted to Thai nationals (e.g., tour guiding, massage therapy, direct sales)
The Phuket Employment Office emphasized that such operations are not one-offs—they are part of a nationwide policy direction to ensure that foreign investment does not come at the cost of local employment rights.
đź“Ś Why This Matters for You
If you’re a foreigner looking to start a business or invest in Phuket, this is a critical reminder to do it by the book. Here are a few takeaways to protect yourself:
✅ Know the “prohibited jobs” list. Thailand’s Department of Employment maintains a list of occupations that are legally reserved for Thai nationals. This includes manual labor, hairdressing, retail work, and more.
✅ Avoid informal roles in your business. Even if you own the company, you can’t casually step into operational roles like receptionist, property agent, or tour guide unless your work permit explicitly allows it.
✅ Set up the correct legal structure. Many expats attempt to bypass restrictions by using Thai nominees—this is illegal and increasingly risky. Seek proper legal advice to establish a compliant company structure (e.g., Board of Investment-approved company, Thai majority partnership with documented shareholder agreements, etc.).
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🛡️ Final Word: Caution and Compliance
As Thailand continues its post-COVID economic recovery, the government is walking a fine line—welcoming foreign investors and tourists, while also protecting Thai labor and enforcing long-standing laws. If you’re planning to do business in Phuket, take this latest crackdown as a clear warning sign: the margin for “grey area” operations is shrinking fast.
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đź“ŤThis update is based on information from The Phuket News and official Thai government sources as of June 2025.
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