Bangkok: The government has issued a warning to the public, urging them to remain cautious of a group of scammers exploiting social media platforms to entice individuals into working on Australian farms. Authorities emphasize that there is currently no collaboration between the Australian government and Thailand regarding the dispatch of workers, and there is no policy in place to issue agricultural visas to Thai nationals.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Karom Polpornklang, Deputy Government Spokesperson, alerted the public about the fraudulent activities carried out by these scammers. They use online media, including websites and Facebook pages, to falsely advertise job opportunities in Australia, claiming collaboration between the Australian government and the Ministry of Labor. The scammers promise work visas valid for 3-5 years, monthly salaries ranging from 90,000 to 120,000 baht, and coverage of processing fees, airfare, visa expenses, and accommodation for the entire employment duration.

Mr. Kara
m explained that once individuals express interest, they are asked to provide personal details such as their name, surname, address, and crucial documents like ID cards, passports, and house registrations. These are allegedly required for criminal record checks and work visa applications. Victims are then instructed to pay a deposit or processing fee of approximately 100,000-200,000 baht. After full payment is made, scammers cease all communication, leaving victims unable to commence their employment as promised. Some victims are also persuaded to apply for tourist visas with false assurances of assistance in obtaining work visas upon arrival in Australia, only to find themselves abandoned upon reaching the country.

Mr. Karam stressed that the Australian government has not established any cooperation with Thailand for labor dispatch and has no plans to issue agricultural visas to Thai citizens. He urged those seeking overseas employment to verify recruitment companies’ legitimacy through the Department of Em
ployment’s website or the Central Employment Registration and Job Seeker Protection Division at doe.go.th/ipd before transferring money to any broker or representative. In fiscal year 2024, there were 452 cases involving illegal brokers, deceiving 608 job seekers and causing damages amounting to 44,223,300 baht. The most affected countries were Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Iceland, respectively.