Immigration Bureau officers, working alongside the Department of Employment and the Department of Business Development, inspected several Chinese restaurants in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district on 5 June 2026 following online claims that some businesses were accepting only Chinese yuan and refusing Thai baht. The operation resulted in the discovery of six foreign nationals accused of immigration and employment-related offences.
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The inspection began at around 1pm when investigators from Immigration Division 1 coordinated with officials from the Department of Employment and the Department of Business Development. The action followed social media posts by a Chinese influencer alleging that certain Chinese restaurants accepted only yuan as payment.
Authorities identified the restaurant named Xin Xin Lanzhou Noodle, located on Pracharat Bamphen Road in the Huai Khwang police district, as one of the businesses mentioned. Officials also inspected four other nearby restaurants as part of the operation.
During the checks, officers found six foreign nationals suspected of offences involving illegal entry into Thailand and violations of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment. At Xin Xin Lanzhou Noodle, officers arrested one foreign national for illegal entry and another for an offence under the foreign worker employment regulations.
Officials said the Department of Business Development is continuing to examine matters relating to the company’s registration. No further findings regarding the business registration process have yet been announced.
Major General Prasat Khemaprasit, commander of Immigration Division 1, said officers moved quickly after learning of the allegations through social media. He stated that authorities had immediately planned and carried out inspections.
He added that enforcement operations in the Huai Khwang area are conducted regularly in cooperation with relevant agencies. Members of the public who have information about foreign nationals suspected of breaking the law are encouraged to contact the Immigration Bureau hotline on 1178.
Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, together with Deputy Commissioners Major General Pratchaya Prasansuk and Major General Phanthana Nuchanart, have instructed all units under their command to strengthen investigations, inspections and enforcement efforts targeting offences committed by foreign nationals.
The Manager Online reported that the Department of Business Development’s review of the restaurant’s registration remains ongoing, while immigration and labour authorities continue their wider enforcement campaign in the area.
Pictures courtesy of MGR
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Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 7 June 2026