Thailand defers penalties under new Foreign Workers Law

BANGKOK – Following criticism from employers, penalties for a number of offences under Thailand’s new Foreign Workers Law have been suspended by the Government until January 1, 2018. They were originally to be effective immediately from June 23 following implementation of an Emergency Decree.

For example, an employer hiring a foreigner without a work permit is subject to a fine ranging from Bt400,000–Bt800,000 per foreigner – previously the fine ranged from Bt10,000-Bt100,000.

Lawyers Baker McKenzie say that apart from employer criticism, many migrant workers themselves had decided to leave Thailand fearing they could face harsh penalties.  www.bakermckenzie.com (ATI).