Alien laws rethink

I wholeheartedly agree that the poor English published on the Ministry of Labour website is an embarrassment. However, the main issue is that the laws governing banned professions for foreigners (aliens) is desperately outdated and in need of a quick and thoughtful revision.

While I hope the ministry will quickly look into updating this list to reflect the needs of Thailand in the 21st century, I would also like to draw their attention to, and question, another law that dates back to the premiership of Plaek Pibulsonggram (and possibly before) that is desperately outdated and in need of change.

Why do foreigners with a Thai permanent residence certificate need to have a work permit? Surely permanent residence cannot be considered permanent if there is no right to work freely.

The overwhelming majority of countries allow permanent residents unhindered access (with no need for a work permit) to the employment market, except for certain positions related to government service or national security. To be frank, I doubt that any permanent residents in Thailand will be looking for work rolling tobacco or applying for positions as mulberry paper makers.

The circumstances of 60 years ago that gave rise to these laws have changed. The world has moved on since then and so should Thai labour laws.

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