Bangkok: Parliament has approved a draft amendment to the immigration law aimed at addressing issues related to street vending and the use of Thai nominees. The Speaker of the House of Representatives has tasked the Political Coordination Division with handling the amendment to the Alien Employment Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017).

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sophon Saram, Speaker of the House of Representatives, delegated Acting Lieutenant Sanh Piya, a legal expert in the Political Coordination and Complaints Handling Group, to receive the draft amendment from Mr. Paweenwach Chotiwattanakulthana and his group. The proposed changes seek to address several key issues within the existing law.

The amendment includes several provisions: designating co-acting officials, prohibiting foreigners from engaging in street vending or owning businesses, and preventing Thai nationals from allowing foreigners to use their identities or resources for business purposes. It also proposes tax measures to encourage employers to reduce reliance on foreign labor and requires employers to cover the costs of repatriating foreign workers. Additionally, the amendment seeks to establish measures for the control and supervision of aliens and prescribes criminal penalties for violations by foreigners, employers, and officials.

The rationale behind the amendment is the increasing number of foreigners in Thailand engaging in prohibited occupations, which affects the economy and strains government resources. The amendment aims to ensure foreigners and employers bear related expenses and to establish punitive measures against misconduct, omissions, or corruption to maintain economic and social stability.

Sub-Lieutenant Sanh Phiya, after receiving the letter, stated that the Petition for Legislation Section of the Parliament will review the amendment to ensure compliance with the Constitution and the Petition for Legislation Act. The House of Representatives will inform the proposer of the outcome within 15 days.