Labor Minister Acknowledges Thai Workers Fleeing Korean Visas: 30 Out of 57 Workers Result in Year-Long Ban, Tracking and Blacklisting Orders Issued
Thailand's Labor Minister acknowledged that 30 of 57 workers sent to South Korea fled their jobs, triggering a suspension of placements from four provinces and year-long bans with blacklisting orders for the absconded workers.
On May 15, 2025, at the Ministry of Labor, Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivat held talks with South Korea's Ambassador to Thailand regarding the suspension of worker placements from four Thai provinces under the MOU system. The suspension came after discovering a significant number of Thai workers had fled their employment contracts.
The minister confirmed the Labor Ministry is urgently addressing the issue in both short and long-term solutions to restore South Korea's confidence. South Korea's embassy acknowledged that the suspension follows standard criteria applied to all countries sending workers to South Korea, not measures specific to Thailand.
"The MOU clearly stipulates that workers must not flee employment, with South Korea setting a threshold of no more than 20 percent. However, in Thailand's latest batch of 57 workers, 30 disappeared—approximately 59 percent—which is exceptionally high," the minister stated.
Before the full blacklisting measures take effect, Thailand negotiated for one final batch of workers, which South Korea approved. However, no further extensions will be granted. The ministry is now tracking the 30 absconded workers through family contacts and local authorities to encourage their return to the proper system.
"We have names, records, and families, and we are monitoring the situation. We cannot deny that some genuinely fled their employment," Julphand acknowledged.
Under Thai law, direct prosecution may not be possible since the violation occurred under South Korea's immigration laws. However, the Labor Ministry can restrict future overseas work rights. "Those who refuse cooperation may face limitations on foreign employment permits, especially for South Korea. E-8 visa defaulters will be banned entirely," the minister stated.
Regarding solutions to worker flight, the ministry plans stricter pre-departure screenings, behavior and background checks, and implementation of the "Smart TOEA" tracking system for Thai workers in South Korea. "Workers will report monthly through the system to confirm they are employed at the designated location and complying with regulations. This should alleviate South Korean concerns," Julphand explained.
When asked if he plans to travel personally for negotiations, Julphand confirmed he informed the South Korean ambassador of his readiness to discuss with South Korea's labor and justice ministers immediately once a schedule is arranged, as this matter is critical to bilateral relations.
