Former Migrant Worker Appeals to Thai Workers in Korea to Follow the Rules So Future Generations Can Continue Working Abroad

A former migrant worker has made an emotional appeal to Thai workers in Korea to comply with regulations, revealing that while most initially go through proper legal channels, many refuse to return home when their contracts expire and instead flee to work illegally elsewhere, leading to four Thai provinces being blacklisted.

As of May 12, 2026, the Department of Employment announced that South Korea has blacklisted four Thai provinces—Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, and Maha Sarakham—prohibiting the recruitment of agricultural and fishing workers under the E-8 visa for one year from January 1 to December 31, 2026.

Reporters recently interviewed Suriya, a 40-year-old from Khon Kaen who has worked in South Korea for several years. Suriya explained that he worked in construction in Korea, earning 70,000 baht monthly initially, with some months reaching six figures with overtime. He later had to return home to Khon Kaen after an accident; otherwise, he would have continued working there.

Regarding the ban on workers from the four provinces, Suriya believes that some workers left Thailand legally but, upon contract completion after five years, fled to work elsewhere illegally without a visa—the primary reason for the blacklisting.

He urged everyone to migrate for work legally to avoid problems and difficult living situations abroad, and to prevent affecting other workers seeking overseas employment. He acknowledged that most workers who migrate illegally typically enter as tourists and then disappear to work, which is why the four provinces were blacklisted by Korea.

Meanwhile, Chatchaket Suphon Suebpimay noted that villagers previously traveled to Korea for work very frequently, earning between 50,000-60,000 baht to over 100,000 baht monthly. Many saved enough to buy houses, cars, and land. However, he recommended that people migrate legally, as this ensures access to help if problems arise and prevents situations that harm Thai workers, such as the current blacklist.