Seoul Targets Four Thai Provinces in Crackdown on Illegal Employment

Seoul Targets Four Thai Provinces in Crackdown on Illegal Employment

BANGKOK, May 12, 2026 — South Korea has temporarily restricted workers from four northeastern Thai provinces from participating in seasonal labour programmes following repeated cases of workers allegedly absconding from their employers, Thai authorities said.

Thailand’s Anti-Fake News Centre confirmed on Monday that the measure affects workers from Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum and Maha Sarakham.

The restriction took effect on Jan. 1 and is scheduled to remain in force until Dec. 31, 2026.

Authorities said the move followed concerns raised over Thai workers leaving contracted positions in South Korea’s agricultural and fisheries sectors while participating under bilateral labour agreements and memorandums of understanding.

The decision triggered criticism on Thai social media, where users expressed frustration that the actions of some workers had negatively affected employment opportunities for others seeking legal overseas work.

Commenters said the issue risked damaging the reputation of Thai workers abroad and contributing to stricter immigration and labour controls for Thai nationals entering South Korea.

South Korea has faced ongoing concerns over undocumented foreign labour, including cases involving Thai nationals overstaying visas or leaving authorised employment programmes.

Thai authorities urged citizens interested in working in South Korea to obtain updated information through official channels operated by Thailand’s Department of Employment.

The issue has also renewed concerns over the welfare and legal vulnerability of undocumented workers in South Korea, following previous reports involving labour exploitation and workplace deaths among illegal migrant workers.