BANGKOK: A social media photo of a foreign man working as a masseur at a spa in Patong, Phuket went viral on Wednesday (Feb 5), causing widespread criticism as the job is reserved for Thai nationals only.
The photo was posted on the Facebook page of Phuket Times, with a caption saying: “Thais may soon lose their jobs. This foreign man is washing customer’s feet at a massage spa, ignoring the law on reserved jobs for Thais.”
The page included a short video clip in the comment section, adding that it was taken from a spa establishment on Sai Kor Road, near Patong Beach in Kathu district of Phuket province.
Hundreds of netizens in the comment section slammed the foreigner for breaking the laws, while others called on the Immigration Bureau to investigate the establishment.
One netizen pointed out that business operators might have not much choice as finding Thai workers for certain jobs could be challenging. He said that Thais are choosy about their jobs, take too many leave days, and demand high pay.
The 2017 Emergency Decree on Foreigners' Working Management prohibits foreigners from working in 27 occupations reserved for Thai nationals.
Most of these jobs involved “Thai wisdom” or “Thai characteristics”, such as traditional Thai massage, woodcarving, weaving cloth by hand, making handicrafts from reeds, rattan, hemp, straw and bamboo pellicle, gold ornaments, silverware, bronzeware, and alms bowls.
Other jobs that are reserved for Thais include vehicle drivers (except for forklift), street vendors, hairdressers, barbers, tour guides, secretaries and legal service providers.
Last year, the Employment Department caught 721 foreigners doing jobs reserved for Thais – mainly street vendors, hairdressers, drivers, and masseurs – following complaints from locals.
Foreigners caught breaking this law will face a maximum fine of 50,000 baht and deportation, while their employers could face up to a 200,000-baht fine, imprisonment for one year, and a three-year ban from hiring foreigners. - The Nation/ANN
