BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Labor and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) have taken action against a fraudulent recruitment ring that deceived more than 100 people with false promises of overseas employment.
On May 2, Minister of Labour Julapun Amornvivat held a press conference with senior officials from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Department of Employment. They provided updates on a recent case where a company scammed job seekers out of 130,000 to 150,000 baht each by falsely offering agricultural work in Australia and New Zealand.
The Minister stated that victims were told to attend a pre-departure training session at a hotel near the airport on April 25, 2026. When they arrived, no training was scheduled. An inspection of the company’s office in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, found it abandoned. The Department of Employment confirmed the firm was not licensed to recruit workers for overseas jobs.
The Labour Minister urged Thai citizens to be cautious of high-paying job ads on social media, especially for farm or fruit-picking positions. He stressed that only agencies licensed by the Department of Employment can legally send Thai workers abroad. Prospective workers should verify agency status at doe.go.th/ipd before making payments.
CIB officials reported the company was registered in August 2025 and began soliciting payments soon after. After complaints were filed, court warrants were issued for four suspects. Authorities arrested two suspects on April 28, 2026, and are pursuing the others.
Director-General of the Department of Employment Somchai Morakotsriwan reminded the public that there are only five legal methods to work abroad: through licensed private agencies, through the Department of Employment, by self-arrangement with proper notification, by a Thai employer, or for training.
Those seeking consultation can contact the Ministry of Labor’s hotline at 1506, press 2. (NNT)
