Sick Leave or Sick Lie? When Employees Fake Illness Abroad
- Detective N
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Sick Leave or Sick Lie? When Employees Fake Illness Abroad
In an increasingly mobile world, it’s become easier than ever for individuals to travel or live abroad while maintaining employment or benefit claims in their home countries. One form of misconduct that is gaining attention—yet remains difficult to prove without expert help—is faking illness to avoid work, particularly when the employee is secretly living or vacationing abroad.

A Growing Issue for Employers and Insurers
Some employees continue to receive full salary or health-related benefits while claiming to be unfit for work due to medical reasons—when in reality, they are enjoying life overseas. Thailand, with its warm climate, affordable lifestyle, and relative anonymity, has become a popular hideout for this type of abuse.
Whether it's:
An employee claiming long-term psychological burnout while partying in Pattaya
A civil servant on extended sick leave living in a Chiang Mai condo
Or someone collecting private insurance while actively working online in Bangkok
—these cases are deceptive, costly, and difficult to verify without local insight.
The Damage of Fraudulent Sick Leave
Faking illness is not a harmless act. It often causes:
Financial loss to employers, insurers, or public systems
Disruption to business operations and team dynamics
Legal liability for fraudulent declarations
Erosion of trust in employer–employee relationships
In many jurisdictions, such misconduct constitutes contractual breach, insurance fraud, or even criminal deception.
How Orchid Eyes Can Help
At Orchid Eyes, we specialize in discreet investigations for private companies, law firms, and insurance providers. If there’s a suspicion that an individual is abusing sick leave or fraudulently collecting benefits, we offer:
On-site lifestyle observation (residence, social activity, work habits)
Verification of daily routines (e.g. gym visits, nightlife, employment)
Digital activity tracking (e.g. presence on social media, dating apps, etc.)
Photo and video documentation for internal or legal proceedings
We operate strictly within legal boundaries and with full confidentiality. Our team includes Thai nationals who understand the cultural and logistical context, as well as the possibility to deploy foreign operatives when appropriate and lawful.
Real Evidence. Real Results.
Cases of suspected abuse require more than suspicion—they require proof. We deliver clear, structured reports that enable our clients to take appropriate disciplinary, legal, or financial action.
Do you suspect an employee is misusing sick leave while enjoying life in Thailand? Let Orchid Eyes uncover the truth. Discreetly. Ethically. Effectively.