AEC News-May 26
Harsh penalties come into effect from July 1, 2018 for employing undocumented or incorrectly documented foreign workers
However, as from July 1, 2018 harsh penalties come into effect with fines of Bt50,000-Bt200,000 (about US$1,561-$6,246) per undocumented or incorrectly documented foreign employee. Foreign workers found without the necessary or correct documentation will be subject to fines of between Bt5,000 and Bt50,000, followed by deportation.
Describing the labour shortage as “widespread across the country”, Mr Mongkolsuthree said there has been a labour shortage for several years, with local employers having particular difficulties filling positions that require manual effort.
“The 25 per cent employment cap will force hardship on SMEs. It is impossible to cap the proportion of migrant workers in the SME sector”, he added.
Similar views are held by Taniwan Koonmongkon, president of the Thai Restaurant Association (TRA).
The hospitality and tourism industries are expected to be hit particularly hard by the 25 per cent ration cap, with one foreign manager of a large, international hotel chain who did not wish to be identified telling AEC News Today that it is not just a matter of costs rising due to the 25 per cent cap, it’s whether there will be sufficient staff to operate effectively and maintain the standards.
I n an interview with the Bangkok Post earliert his month Ms Koonmongkon said “business owners prefer to use foreign workers, giving them work permits and the same social welfare same as locals. They cannot find Thais to work such jobs,” she said.
