Illegal Workers, Smugglers and Employers to Face Tough Penalties

Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has said it will take tough action against illegal workers, smugglers and employers who employ illegals as new COVID-19 cases have been detected nationwide.

Immigration Bureau (IB) chief Sompong Chingduang said they are working with other security agencies, border patrol police and soldiers to step up border surveillance, to prevent the entry of illegal migrants by smugglers, as the country struggles with a third wave of infections.

He said those who enter or help illegals enter Thailand illegally will be prosecuted under the immigration law, the communicable diseases act and the emergency decree. They are liable to a jail term of up to two years or a fine of up to 40,000 baht or both.

According to the Public Health Ministry, infection clusters were detected in businesses which employ migrant workers, such as those in Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces.

All provinces have now been alerted to screen workers returning home and those coming from at-risk areas and employers have been asked to halt the movement of workers to prevent transmission.

Cops probed over migrant smuggling

Smuggling services from Myanmar to Thailand cost roughly USD$400, while smuggling services from Cambodia or Laos to Thailand cost around USD$150, according to a report by the United Nations.

The report said migrant workers find smuggling to be a “cheaper, less bureaucratic and otherwise easier option” and many smugglers can provide employment and accommodation in Thailand.

Meanwhile, Police officers and state officials are suspected of aiding and abetting illegal labour smuggling across the Thai-Myanmar border in Kanchanaburi, according to a senior police officer told the Bangkok Post.

Assistant police chief Pol Lt Gen Jaruwat Vaisaya revealed the progress in an investigation into the matter, saying an initial probe has found police officers, district officials and officials from various state agencies were involved in illicit labour smuggling in Kanchanaburi province.

Penalties vary from case to case with disciplinary action and criminal prosecution a possibility, Pol Lt Gen Jaruwat said