American tourist arrested 'for working illegally as a DJ' in Thailand

An American tourist was arrested for allegedly working illegally as a DJ in Thailand.

Eick Alberto, 30, reportedly takes paid DJ gigs at nightclubs in Chiang Mai province despite not having a valid work permit required under Thai law.

Footage shows the holidaymaker spinning records at a neon-lit bar along Charoen Rat Road, in the early hours of June 20.

He went outside for a break, where he was then detained by tourist police.

He was charged with 'working as a foreigner without a permit or beyond the scope of authorised employment' and was handed over to immigration officers for further legal action.

Authorities said the operation was launched following a tip-off that the American national was employed without a valid work permit.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Nithiphat Boonmak of Tourist Police Division 2 said they would continue cracking down on foreigners working illegally in Thailand.

He added: ‘We will ensure compliance with the law and promote fairness for local workers.'

Under Thailand's Foreign Employment Act, tourists are banned from working in dozens of occupations including tour guiding, labour work, agriculture, and hairdressing. They are also prohibited from working in the country without a valid permit.

Violators may be fined 5,000 to 50,000 THB (120 to 1,200 GBP) and may face deportation to their home country. They will also be banned from seeking a Thai work permit for two years.

While Thai employers may be fined between 10,000 and 100,000 baht per illegal employee.  Repeat violators face up to one year in jail, a steeper fine of 50,000 to 200,000 baht per illegal worker, and a three-year ban from hiring foreigners.