‘Little ghosts’ in S. Korea given ultimatum by Thai gov’t

The Thai government this morning warned that Thais working illegally in South Korea should report to the authorities there by the end of February to avoid a huge fine. 

Due to a surge of such workers, Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said they must notify the South Korean immigration office by Feb. 28 to avoid a penalty of KRW30 million (THB80,000). Though they face deportation, they may also be allowed to enter South Korea again, Ratchada said.

They can call the Immigration Center hotline 1345 (Thai translators will be available) or file a report online with the South Korea Immigration Office using their passport and travel documents. They can also contact the Thai Embassy in Seoul.

The Thai government believes that there are hundreds of thousands of Thais, known as “little ghosts,” who have overstayed their visas to work illegally…