Foreign Masseur in Phuket Sparks Outrage Over Law on Reserved Jobs for Thais
A viral photo of a foreign man working as a masseur at a spa in Patong, Phuket has drawn widespread criticism, highlighting concerns over job restrictions for foreigners. The image, shared on the Phuket Times Facebook page, shows the man washing a customer’s feet at the spa—a position that, according to Thai law, should be reserved for Thai nationals.
The caption accompanying the photo read, “Thais may soon lose their jobs. This foreign man is washing customer’s feet at a massage spa, ignoring the law on reserved jobs for Thais.” A brief video clip from the spa on Sai Kor Road, near Patong Beach, was also posted in the comments, sparking a flurry of backlash.
Under Thailand’s 2017 Emergency Decree on Foreigners’ Working Management, foreigners are prohibited from holding positions in 27 professions that are reserved exclusively for Thai citizens. These roles include those linked to traditional Thai cultural practices—such as Thai massage, woodcarving, and hand-woven textiles—along with other occupations like street vendors, drivers (excluding forklift operators), and hairdressers.
The public outcry has led many to call for an investigation by the Immigration Bureau. Last year, Thai authorities discovered 721 foreign workers in violation of the law, with many engaged in roles like street vending, hairstyling, and, of course, massage therapy. Foreign workers found breaking these rules face hefty fines up to 50,000 baht and deportation. Employers who hire foreigners for these positions could be fined 200,000 baht, imprisoned for up to one year, and face a three-year ban on hiring foreigners.
However, some online users sympathized with business owners, pointing out the difficulty in hiring Thai workers for certain roles. They cited issues like high demands for pay, frequent leave requests, and a general reluctance from Thais to take up jobs in these sectors.
photo the Nation