Bangkok malls raid: 35 foreign workers detained

Thai authorities detained 35 foreign workers during checks at the Platinum Fashion Mall and Indra Square in Bangkok's Pratunam shopping district on 21 July.

The Ministry of Labour said the operation targeted people allegedly working without proper permission, working outside the scope of their work rights, or acting as nominees in businesses in occupations reserved for Thais.

The group included 23 men and 12 women from Myanmar, India, Pakistan and China. Officials said most were accused of working beyond the rights granted under Section 8, while some allegedly had no valid work permit.

Joint operation at two Pratunam shopping centres

The raid was carried out by the Ministry of Labour's Centre for Prevention and Suppression of Illegal Labour Practices, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division, Army intelligence and the Internal Security Operations Command.

Officers conducted spot checks at the two major wholesale shopping centres, which are popular with overseas visitors and foreign residents as well as Thai retailers.

For foreigners living in Thailand, the operation is a reminder that holding a visa does not automatically allow someone to work. Foreign nationals must have a valid work permit and must work only in the role, location and conditions authorised in that permit.

The Ministry said the campaign followed instructions from Permanent Secretary for Labour Pairoj Chotikasathien for continued inspections aimed at protecting employment opportunities for Thai workers.

While the government recognised labour shortages in some business sectors, the ministry stressed that foreign nationals must not take occupations reserved for Thai people, particularly service and manual jobs, according to the statement.

Fines and possible deportation

All 35 people detained have been notified of allegations, authorities said. Those found to be working without a permit, or outside their authorised work conditions, face fines of 5,000 to 50,000 baht and immediate return to their country of origin.

Employers or businesses found to have hired foreign workers illegally face fines of 10,000 to 100,000 baht for each worker. Repeat offenders could face criminal proceedings, including imprisonment.

The ministry said it would review the operation and strengthen future enforcement plans with the Department of Employment. Its stated priorities are tackling nominee arrangements, foreign nationals taking jobs reserved for Thais, and illegal work by foreign investors and workers, particularly those from China.

Visitors and expats shopping in Pratunam are not the target of such inspections. However, foreign-owned or foreign-managed retail businesses should ensure that staff, business registrations and work permits are fully compliant, especially in sectors where the work may be restricted to Thai nationals.

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

Join the discussion?

23 July 2026