Latest Legal Update Year 2026

Beware of Fines Up to Hundreds of Thousands! Hiring migrant workers to sell goods in front of the shop, but "without a shop registration certificate" – is it permissible? Solutions summarized here!

"I want Myanmar, Cambodian, or Lao employees to legally sell goods, collect money, or guard a convenience store, but the shop has not yet registered for commercial operations. What can be done? Will there be a penalty if inspected?"

This is the most classic question that many employers have privately asked. Because currently, the shortage of Thai labor forces owners of retail shops, restaurants, stalls, and convenience stores to rely primarily on neighboring migrant workers. However, working as a salesperson in front of a shop is subject to quite strict legal regulations.

Iron Rules for Front-of-Shop Work to Remember

migrant workers cannot independently "sell goods or provide services in front of a shop" unless they are authorized for 'front-of-shop sales work' in their work permit, and the employer themselves must be fully eligible to hire for such work!

Understanding 2 Dimensions of the Law to Avoid Risks

Exworker wishes to summarize the legal perspectives into 2 main points to prevent employer confusion, as follows:

Issue 1: Allowing migrant workers to work currently without a commercial registration

Technically, if your shop "does not have a commercial registration certificate," you will not be able to submit documents to request approval to add the job type "front-of-shop sales" for the migrant worker according to the system.

• Absolutely Prohibited: Allowing migrant employees to stand, receive money, give change, or sell goods alone without complete documents carries a very high risk of being fined.
• Temporarily Permitted: migrant employees can still assist as "general laborers" (e.g., carrying, arranging goods in the back of the shop, cleaning and sweeping), but are "strictly prohibited from handling the shop's money."

If you are unsure about any step, consult Exworker.

Issue 2: The Most Sustainable and Safest Solution

If your goal is to allow migrant workers to fully sell goods and collect money in front of the shop, so you have time to manage other businesses, the correct method is to "complete the commercial registration first," and then use that document to submit a request to update the work permit.

Summary of Problem-Solving Steps to Enable Migrant Workers to Sell in Front of the Shop

1. Prepare Basic Documents for Employer and Worker

   Prepare copies of the passport, VISA, original employment contract, and migrant worker's history.

2. Commercial Registration (General Shop / Individual)

   Register to confirm that the location is genuinely a wholesale/retail business establishment, which is a crucial criterion for classifying occupations.

3. Submit Request to Update/Change Job Type in Work Permit

   Submit an additional request to the Department of Employment office to record the "front-of-shop sales" job type, with the shop's commercial registration attached for consideration.

4. Trade with Peace of Mind, Without Worry!

   migrant employees can work in front of the shop and receive payments 100% legally, without fear when officials conduct random inspections.

Exworker has a team of experts who can manage this correctly and quickly, allowing you to fully focus on your business operations.