Chaiyachai Pud, Former Senior Official, Raises Concerns Over Unlicensed Clinics Conducting Foreign Worker Health Screenings Amid Ebola Fears
An ex-senior official warns that roughly 50 unlicensed medical clinics in Thailand are illegally conducting health screenings for foreign workers, creating public health risks amid Ebola concerns and potentially classifying screened workers
On May 22, 2025, Democrat Party MP and Deputy Party Leader Chaiyachai Detchdecho addressed concerns regarding the government's decision not to register Cambodian foreign workers. He revealed that unregistered Cambodian workers remain in Thailand with companies registered at the Department of Employment, with some failing to return home despite expired work permits—a violation of law. Regarding medical clinics, approximately 70 facilities are currently registered with both the Department of Employment and Ministry of Public Health, while another 50 operate with registration but lack proper licenses, making them unable to legally issue health certificates for foreign workers. Clinics must meet strict standards and possess certified laboratory facilities to issue valid certificates. Workers receiving screenings at unlicensed clinics are classified as illegal workers, creating public health risks, especially given current Ebola outbreaks and other infectious diseases. Chaiyachai cited the Hospital Act, Section 35(4), which mandates one-year imprisonment and license revocation for unlicensed facilities. He plans to submit his findings to Sakolthee Pattiyakul, chair of the parliamentary health committee, to investigate which clinics are legitimate and how many workers are affected. Chaiyachai emphasized the need to examine employment agencies, noting that some clinics registered with the Department of Employment but not the Ministry of Public Health belonged to former senior government officials, requiring thorough investigation for full public disclosure.
