แรงงานไทยผิดกฎหมายในสาธารณรัฐเกาหลี: สาเหตุและแนวทางแก้ไข

Abstract

Illegal Thai workers in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) have risen sharply, with 67,534 employees, or 75 percent of Thai workers, remaining in 2017, the highest proportion compared to other foreign workers in South Korea. Illegal labor has the potential to undermine labor and the nation. This article explores the causes of problems and solutions by interviewing key persons, reviewing related studies and gathering information from websites of the Ministry of Labor of both countries. The study indicated that the opportunity to travel to work legally is low while the minimum wage in South Korea is much higher than in Thailand. Thus, many Thai workers illegally work in South Korea. To fix the problem, the Ministry of Labor should develop measures to assess illegal situation of Thai workers in South Korea. Illegal Thai workers should be encouraged to return to Thailand with some incentives. The length of time to receive the certificate of conduct should be reduced. The brokers, job agencies and touring companies that bring in illegal workers should be suppressed. The Thai government should consult with South Korea to allow for Thai massage therapists to work in the country. Proper occupations should be prepared for returned migrant workers.