Thailand issues Royal Decree governing foreign employees, migrant workers

BANGKOK – A Royal Decree effective June 23 cancels and replaces existing legislation regulating foreigners working in Thailand. The new legislation cites an urgent need to address current problems with foreigners working in Thailand - and to tackle human trafficking issues.

In a Client Alert, lawyers Baker McKenzie point to significant increases in penalties.

The fine for employing a foreigner without a work permit is increased from Baht10,000-Baht100,000  per foreigner to a minimum Baht400,000 and up to Baht800,000.

He fine for employing a foreigner for work different to that specified on the work permit is increased from a maximum of Baht10,000 to a maximum of Baht400,000.

In relation to hiring and bringing migrant workers into Thailand, the Royal Decree largely adopts the contents of an earlier Decree issued last year under which only a Thai employer or a licensed operator can bring a migrant worker into the country.

BM said it should be noted that existing work permits issued before June 23 are still valid until the term expires.  www.bakermckenzie.com (ATI).