The Department of Employment (DOE) has warned Thais not to be fooled into buying fake resident cards which con artists claim will be a pathway to employment in Japan.
DOE director-general Waranon Pitiwan said on Friday Thai workers are being duped into applying for fake resident cards which supposedly help them find work in Japan. The card scam network claimed card holders could opt to work in several fields such as traditional massage, food and beverage and the industrial sector.
Subscribers were required to pay 15,000 baht first for the card and then an additional 45,000 baht when they arrived in Japan, Mr Waranon said.
Legitimate resident cards -- known as Zairyu cards -- are issued to foreigners by the Japanese Immigration office and allow card holders to stay in Japan for up to five years.
The cards contain personal information of the card holder including visa status and address in Japan. Many Thais who arrive in Japan are unable to find jobs.
The department's warning came after an advertisement for the fake card, posted by an Elizabeth Mamasung, appeared on Facebook trying to persuade Thais who want to find work in Japan to apply.
Mr Waranon said the advert was illegal, adding that Thai authorities had provided assistance to many Thais who were conned out of money when trying to find work in Japan.
Thai workers who need further information about overseas employment or wanted to lodge a complaint about labour issues can contact provincial employment offices nationwide or call 02-245-6763, or the labour hotline on 1694.