Pipatchai Paiboon, political spokesman for the Ministry of Labour, met provincial labour officials and representatives of agencies under the ministry at the Phuket Provincial Employment Office, where he was briefed on the situation involving both Thai and foreign workers.
The visit comes amid growing scrutiny of foreign employment and suspected nominee businesses in Phuket.
Earlier this month, the ‘Thai Mai Tonn’ (‘Thais Will Not Tolerate’) group called for tougher action against foreigners allegedly working in occupations reserved for Thais and businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as nominees.
At a meeting with provincial officials on Aug 6, the group submitted information concerning alleged illegal foreign employment and suspected nominee arrangements, prompting authorities to review work permits, visas and company ownership structures across the province.
Officials reported at that meeting that 10,889 businesses in Phuket employ foreign workers, with 89,982 foreign workers employed across the main sectors listed.
The figures included 17,041 workers authorised under Section 59 of the Foreigners’ Working Management Act, 53 under Section 62, 208 under Section 63/1 and 95,486 under Section 63/2. The figures did not indicate how many foreign workers were employed in occupations prohibited to foreigners.
The Thai Mai Tonn group has particularly raised concerns about activity at the market on Ranong Rd in Phuket Town, alleging that foreigners are involved in retail sales, beauty salons, brokerage and other occupations restricted under Ministry of Labour regulations.
Authorities have said inspections will focus on whether foreign workers have valid work permits and visas and whether their employment complies with Thai law.
Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum assigned Vice Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp to lead inspections of establishments suspected of employing illegal migrant workers in Mueang Phuket, Thalang and Kathu districts.
The Thai Mai Tonn group has also proposed a ‘Phuket Model’ for clearer and more consistent enforcement against illegal employment and suspected nominee businesses. Its proposals are to be forwarded by the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Centre to the governor and relevant agencies for consideration.
At Friday’s meeting, Mr Pipatchai stressed the importance of receiving information and facts from the local area before determining appropriate measures, particularly in preventing foreigners from entering occupations reserved for Thai people.
He also called for communication and public understanding of the legal management of foreign workers.
At 11:20am, Mr Pipatchai and his delegation visited the Phuket Province Work Permit Issuance Center for Foreigners at Robinson Lifestyle Shopping Center, Chalong Branch.
The delegation reviewed the centre’s services, listened to officials about problems and obstacles, and received suggestions from people involved in the process.
The spokesman said the ministry would continue monitoring the management of foreign workers to ensure it was efficient, systematic and in accordance with the law.
In the afternoon, Mr Pipatchai visited Phuket Skill Development Institute 21, where he presided over a certificate presentation for people who had completed a teaching techniques course.
He also inspected a bamboo oil massage training course aimed at developing workers’ skills and matching the local labour force more closely with the needs of Phuket’s labour market.
The ministry said the Phuket visit reflected its commitment to monitoring the labour situation, protecting occupations for Thai workers, ensuring foreign workers are managed according to the law and developing skills to create greater balance in the labour market.