(as a masseuse from Thailand)
For Thai people, particularly Thai masseuses, there are about three main ways to work abroad, which include:
- Ministry of Labor & Ministry of Social Development and Human Security
- Spa or Shop that they work in Thailand
- Agency
For legal employment abroad, there are main channels through various organizations and the responsible ministries as follows:
When going to work abroad through a massage parlor where one is already employed, there are two main ways: the parlor either acts as an agent or has an agent who directly contacts the parlor. The parlor receives a commission from the agent for exporting labor, which can involve both legal and illegal work. If the process is legal, it will go through the procedures of the Department of Labour, but there might be additional costs (if done directly through the Department of Labour, there will be no or minimal costs compared to using an agent). On the other hand, illegal methods might involve entering the country with a tourist visa and then working illegally in a massage parlor. In some cases, massage parlors may have branches abroad, where they train staff in Thailand first and then send the masseuses to work in their overseas branches.
A percentage is deducted from the massage shop as commission, approximately 30% per month, which will depend on the employment contract. If you renew the contract, you will pay a new commission.