Verify Recruitment Agencies Before Working Abroad, Job Seekers Advised

Recruitment Agencies

The Department of Employment (DoE) is urging individuals seeking work overseas to verify recruitment agencies through official channels to avoid falling victim to fraudulent agents.

This warning comes after a group of 50 workers from Nakhon Ratchasima reported losing 10 million baht to unlicensed agents who had guaranteed jobs in South Korea. The group filed a complaint with the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (ATPD) after the agents failed to deliver on their promises.

Somchai Morakotsriwan, director-general of the DoE, stated on Sunday that 14 individuals initially filed a complaint on Wednesday, claiming they were deceived by three agents. The agents offered employment opportunities in South Korea, including roles in restaurants and shipyards, with monthly salaries ranging from 60,000 to 120,000 baht. Each victim was charged processing fees of 150,000–200,000 baht.

Reports suggest the agents continually delayed departure dates and refused to return the victims’ money. Investigations by the DoE and ATPD are underway, with plans to prosecute those involved.

Somchai stressed the importance of verifying employment agencies before making payments. Job seekers can access the list of authorized agencies on the Central Employment Registration and Workers Protection Division’s website.

In 2024, authorities prosecuted 452 illegal agents who defrauded 608 individuals, leading to losses of over 44 million baht. Victims were promised jobs in countries such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Iceland.

Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn outlined five legitimate ways to secure overseas employment: through the DoE, authorized agencies, employer sponsorship, self-arranged opportunities, or internship programs sponsored by employers.

Labour Ministry spokesman Phumiphat Mueanchan revealed another case where 250 workers were defrauded by agents promising jobs in Australia, with each losing between 60,000 and 120,000 baht. Efforts to address the issue are ongoing, including tighter checks at airport checkpoints to monitor suspicious agents.



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