What are the penalties for foreign employees working illegally?

      Regarding foreigners who come to work in Thailand by means of smuggling or human trafficking to work without a work permit or work other than their right to do so, they will be guilty according to the Foreigners' Work Management Emergency Decree.

      They will be punished by a fine of 5,000-50,000 baht and will be deported from the country and will not be allowed to obtain a work permit for two years from the date of punishment. 

      In addition, foreigners who are allowed to work but are unable to show their work permit to an officer or registrar will be fined not more than 5,000 baht.

      To avoid these penalties, foreigners wishing to work must first have a Non-immigrant “B” visa. The employer/ establishment needs to prepare and submit the employment contract together with the business operation documents of the establishment and bring it to the Thai Embassy in that country to consider issuing a Non-immigrant “B” visa. After obtaining a visa, then travel to the Kingdom of Thailand and apply for a work permit, using the application form "Tor.Tor.1".

Source : Dharmniti Law Office Co., Ltd.
Tel : +66 1694