Educational Information Only
The content on this page is for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique. For matters involving investigation, arrest, litigation, or formal proceedings, consult a qualified legal professional.
Emergency Decree on Managing Foreigners' Work
พระราชกำหนดการบริหารจัดการการทำงานของคนต่างด้าว · Foreign Worker Decree · B.E. 2560 (2017)
Overview
The Emergency Decree on Managing Foreigners' Work B.E. 2560 (2017), amended in B.E. 2561 (2018), is the current framework for foreign employment in Thailand; it repealed and replaced the Foreign Working Act B.E. 2551 (2008), so older '2551 Act' penalties no longer apply. The Department of Employment issues work permits, and certain work remains reserved for Thai nationals by notification. (This entry keeps its earlier URL for continuity.)
- Promulgating authority
- Emergency Decree (royal), amended B.E. 2561 (2018)
- พระราชกำหนด
- Enacted
- B.E. 2560 (2017)
- Official text
- https://www.ocs.go.th/searchlaw
Key Sections4
The 4 sections most frequently cited in practice or relevant to foreigners. Click any section for a deep-linkable page suitable for sharing.
Section 8
— Work-permit requirementA foreigner may not work without authorisation under the Decree, and Section 9 likewise bars anyone from taking on a foreigner to work without a permit. Permitted and exempt categories are set by the Decree and its notifications.
Section 7
— Prohibited workThe Minister notifies work that foreigners are prohibited from doing or may do only under conditions; the historic reserved-occupation list (certain manual, agricultural and service trades) is maintained by notification.
Section 101
— Penalty — working without a permitA foreigner who works without a permit is fined THB 5,000–50,000 and deported, with no imprisonment — far lower than the repealed 2551 Act (which quoted up to 5 years). This is the current figure.
Section 102
— Penalty — employing without a permitAn employer who takes on a foreigner without a permit is fined THB 10,000–100,000 per foreigner; a repeat offence carries up to 1 year's imprisonment or a fine of THB 50,000–200,000 and a 3-year ban on employing foreigners.
The summaries on this page are plain-English educational paraphrases — not authoritative translations. For the binding wording you must consult the Royal Gazette publication or the consolidated text at the Office of the Council of State. Educational use only — not a substitute for advice from a Thai-qualified lawyer.
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