Siam Diu = Thai discos
According to Asia News Network, Thai students working as “singers” and “models” at entertainment venues in Singapore during school breaks are violating the law and can be punished by a fine of up to Bt490,000 (S$20,029) or two years in jail or both, warned Thailand’s Labour Ministry’s Department of Employment (DOE).
DOE director-general Waranon Pitiwan said the agency had learned that some people tried to lure Thai students with the promise of payments of up to Bt400,000, a round-trip plane ticket and accommodation to do that job.
Mr Pitiwan said such work was illegal because people must obtain a work permit for performing artists valid for up to six months, which was issued by Singapore’s Labour Ministry and which enabled the permit-holder to be protected by the Employment Act.
He said people entering Singapore on a tourist visa and working without a proper permit faced, if caught, a maximum fine of S$20,000 and/or up to two years in prison.
He said if a person overstayed their visa, they faced a prison term of up to six months and at least three cane strikes.
Thai students must not believe those trying to convince them to work illegally there, he added.
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