BANGKOK, 15 May 2015 – The Department of Employment (DoE) has intercepted 139 Thais at Suvarnabhumi International Airport that had been attempting to work overseas illegally.
DoE Director-General Sumet Mahosot said more than 8,000 Thai workers left the country for job opportunities overseas in April, most of which were in Asia.
Nearly 3,000 traveled to Taiwan, an estimated 1,000 to South Korea and 510 to Japan. The second most popular continent for migrant work was Europe, followed by North America, Africa, Australia, Pacific Islands and South America.
89 suspects intercepted by the authorities were attempting to travel to South Korea. The rest of the suspected illegal workers had flights to Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Japan and Russia.
Most of them had apparently been misled regarding the legality of their employment or the nature of their income.
Mr. Sumet reiterated that those who wish to lawfully gain employment overseas must follow labor procedures for their own protection.
