Police in Chon Buri have arrested eight Chinese nationals for allegedly working without permits in an industrial estate area spanning Ban Bueng and Nong Yai districts. Officers said the suspects were detained during a joint operation led by Ban Bueng Police Station and the Tourist Police Investigation Division.
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The operation was ordered by Pol Col Krit Masuk, superintendent of Ban Bueng Police Station. The raid was carried out by officers led by Pol Lt Col Somdet Ketwattha, deputy superintendent of investigations at Ban Bueng Police Station, Pol Capt Nattachai Iangphayung, deputy inspector of prevention and suppression, and Sgt Maj Phalakon Sinrai, alongside Tourist Police investigators led by Pol Lt Col Kritporn Saengsura.
The eight suspects were identified as Mr Jiahong Wang, Mr Dongdong Ding, Mr Xiaoqi Li, Mr Dong Wang, Mr Jiadong Li, Mr Jianming Wang, Mr Sizhuang Yang and Mr Yanhua Ding, all Chinese nationals.
Police said the first suspect was charged with working in Thailand without a valid work permit. Suspects two to eight were charged with working without permission while temporarily staying in the kingdom, as well as working without valid work permits.
All eight suspects were handed over to investigators at Ban Bueng Police Station for further legal action. Officers said the investigation would now expand to identify and arrest people accused of providing shelter and protection to the workers.
Authorities said they had received information from local residents alleging that undocumented Chinese migrant workers operating in the industrial estate area had been protected by influential figures. The claims reportedly involved a retired former local administrator accused of offering protection to the workers.
The arrests form part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal foreign labour in Chon Buri province. Police have not yet released further details on additional suspects or possible charges against those accused of providing assistance.
Picture courtesy of Chonburi News
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Chonburi News 29 May 2026