Labor Minister Treenuch Thienthong has announced that the Government is stepping up legal action against foreigners working illegally in Thailand, following reports that some travel operators have been hiring foreigners as tour guides.

Under Thai law, tour guiding is one of 27 occupations reserved exclusively for Thai nationals and strictly prohibited for foreigners.

Foreigners found working illegally as tour guides face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht (approximately 155-1,550 US dollars), deportation, and a two-year ban on applying for a work permit in Thailand.

Employers who hire illegal foreign guides will be fined between 10,000 and 100,000 baht (around 305-3,050 dollars) per worker. Repeat offenses may result in imprisonment and a three-year prohibition on hiring foreign employees.