Labor Department Faces Major Challenge as Thai Workers Flee Employers, Triggering South Korea Ban on Four Provinces
South Korea has suspended worker placements from four Thai provinces after Thai agricultural workers fled their employers at rates exceeding 20%, threatening Thailand's reputation and legal work opportunities in the region.
On May 12, 2025, Somchai Marakatsriwan, director-general of the Department of Employment under the Labor Ministry, addressed the issue of Thai agricultural workers fleeing their employers while working in South Korea under E-8 visas. South Korea has blacklisted four Thai provinces—Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, and Chaiyaphum—suspending all worker placements under this visa type due to escapes exceeding the agreed threshold.
Thailand currently sends workers to South Korea through multiple channels, particularly for seasonal agricultural work. The Thai government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with seven South Korean districts to place Thai workers on E-8 visas for approximately 5-6 months before returning home, with the option to work again in subsequent seasons.
A critical MOU condition requires that workers not flee their employers. If any province exceeds a 20% escape rate, it faces immediate suspension from sending workers under E-8 visas—a standard provision in similar agreements with other nations, not exclusive to Thailand.
To date, Thailand has sent 80 workers under E-8 visas. South Korea reported that four provinces exceeded the 20% escape threshold. Somchai acknowledged this as a significant problem affecting legitimate workers who wish to work legally but lose their opportunity through no fault of their own.
When asked about the scale of escapes, Somchai stated it hasn't reached half the total sent, though some provinces exceed 20% while others like Buriram and Surin remain below the threshold. He ordered provincial employment offices to contact families to locate escaped workers and facilitate their return.
Under South Korean law, visa violations carry criminal penalties including imprisonment and fines. Thailand currently lacks direct criminal penalties but must implement additional measures as worker escapes harm Thailand's overall reputation and could eliminate legal work opportunities for interested Thai workers.
Approximately 45 workers from Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani await South Korean Embassy visa approval and remain unaffected as they're not from blacklisted provinces. Somchai noted this marks the first time South Korea has blacklisted Thai provinces, despite Thailand signing the MOU earlier.
