PUBLISHED: 13 Jan 2025 at 09: 30
The Department of Employment advises people looking to work overseas to check with the DoE before using illegal agencies.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Division ( ATPD ) received a report from 50 Nakhon Ratchasima employees that they had been defrauded of 10 million baht by agents who had promised them jobs in South Korea.
DoE director-general Somchai Morakotsriwan addressed the issue on Sunday, stating that he had received a statement about a group of 14 employment seekers complaining to the ATPD on Wednesday.
They claimed to have been defrauded by three unlicensed job agents who had promised to find work in South Korea, such as welding jobs in shipyards or restaurants.
They were promised monthly wages of 60, 000–120, 000 ringgit but were required to pay handling charges of 150, 000–200, 000 ringgit each. The number of patients overall is thought to be about 50, with injuries reportedly amounting to 10 million baht.
The agencies are accused of repeatedly putting off the departure date and refusing to give the patients ‘ money back. Mr. Somchai claimed that the DoE and ATPD were conducting an investigation to bring charges against the criminals.
He added that job seekers may check the list of approved organizations on the website of the Central Employment Registration and Workers Protection Division, adding that it is crucial to verify employment companies before making obligations.
In the 2024 fiscal year, officials prosecuted 452 improper officials who defrauded 608 job seeking, with full restitution exceeding 44 million ringgit. They were promised careers in countries like Australia, Japan, South Korea, the United States and Iceland.
However, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn outlined five legitimate ways to work internationally, including working through the DoE, working through an approved employment agency, working independently, and participating in an employer sponsored internship program abroad.
Phumiphat Mueanchan, a spokesman for the Labour Ministry, stated that the ATPD and the ministry are working together to solve a separate case in which 250 employees received 60, 000 to 120, 000 baht each from Australian agents who had promised them jobs.
Additionally, Mr. Phiphat has advised the DoE to impose stricter controls at airport gates to maintain more stringent surveillance of alleged fraudulent agents.