Occupation lockdown: Thailand’s Labour Ministry draws the line for foreigners, 27 out, 13 in the conditions

The Ministry of Labour in Thailand outlined a list of 40 occupations that are off-limits for foreigners, with 27 being completely restricted and 13 permitted under certain conditions. These occupations are classified into four categories, aiming to address the shortage of local labour in areas where Thai nationals show less interest, particularly in light of the large-scale arrival of foreign workers from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

Foreigners are allowed to work in specific occupations governed by bilateral agreements between Thailand and certain countries, provided they adhere to Thai laws. Within this category, there are three professions open to foreigners: accounting, engineering, and architecture.

For skilled or semi-skilled occupations, foreigners can only work if they are employed by an authorized employer. This category includes eight occupations, including agriculture, masonry/carpentry/construction, mattress making, knife making, shoe making, hat making, dress making, and pottery or ceramic ware making.

In skilled occupations, foreigners can work with the employer’s approval and enter Thailand under the Agreement between the Government of Thailand and Foreign Governments (MoU) on the Admission of Foreign Workers under the Immigration Laws. Two occupations fall into this category: sculptor and retail salesperson.

The Ministry of Labour emphasizes the importance of strict compliance with these regulations for both employers and foreign workers, reported KhaoSod English.

Employers found hiring foreign workers without proper work permits or engaging them in unauthorized work may face fines ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 baht per employed foreign worker.

Repeat offences can lead to imprisonment of up to one year, fines ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 baht, or both, as well as a three-year ban on hiring foreign workers.

Foreign workers found working without work permits or engaging in unauthorized activities may be fined between 5,000 and 50,000 baht and could face deportation. Both employers and foreign workers must adhere to these regulations to avoid legal consequences.

Occupations completely restricted for foreigners:

1. Wood carving
   2. Motorcycle driving, excluding forklift operation
   3. Auction
   4. Gem cutting/polishing
   5. Hairdressing/beauty salon services
   6. Hand-weaving fabrics
   7. Loom weaving or manufacturing using straw, bamboo, chicken feathers, yarn, etc.
   8. Handmade paper production
   9. Traditional lacquer making
   10. Thai traditional musical instrument making
   11. Thai niello making
   12. Gold/silver/platinum smithing
   13. Stone carving
   14. Thai doll making
   15. Alms bowl making
   16. Hand-woven silk fabric production
   17. Buddha statue making
   18. Paper/fabric umbrella making
   19. Agent/broker services
   20. Thai massage
   21. Cigarette rolling
   22. Guide services
   23. Street selling
   24. Thai alphabet arranging services
   25. Silk thread spinning
   26. Secretarial services
   27. Legal services