The Royal Thai Police's Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division (ATPD) is stepping up efforts to investigate websites run by companies intent on tricking Thais, known as "little ghosts", into working in South Korea illegally.

"We have been investigating websites run by these companies since South Korea reopened [after Covid-19 eased]. A check has found there are many companies deceiving Thai workers," the ATPD commander said.

"Some workers were sent there only to find they could not work legally. Don't believe those companies. Looking for work with the Department of Employment is the safest option," he added.

Police said these companies violated the Employment Arrangement and Job-seeker Protection Act by advertising jobs without authorisation, which carries a jail term of 3-10 years, as well as deceiving others about jobs overseas, which carries a jail term of 3-10 years and/or a fine of between 60,000-200,000 baht.

The problem involving "little ghosts" in South Korea has re-emerged since Thailand and South Korea lifted travel restrictions after Covid-19 eased, prompting many labour exporters to return to sending Thai workers there illegally.

South Korea has been a destination for Thai workers for the past 20 years mainly because daily wages there are five to seven times higher than in Thailand, but workers can work there legally only via the employment permit system (EPS) operated by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea.

The system involves government-to-government arrangements designed to avoid excessive brokerage fees of between 150,000 and 200,000 baht charged by unscrupulous companies in both countries.

These hefty fees are one reason Thai workers choose to sneak into South Korea illegally to find work there instead of going through the official channels.

South Korean immigration authorities are now cracking down on Thais entering the country.