Labour officials in Chon Buri, working with security agencies, carried out a coordinated inspection in Bo Win, Si Racha district, on 25 June 2026, resulting in the arrest of 12 Chinese nationals found working illegally across multiple sites. The operation targeted five high-risk establishments under a wider anti-trafficking and forced labour prevention plan. Authorities reported that some of the workers attempted to flee during the raids, including running into nearby wooded areas and hiding inside premises.
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The inspection was led by officials from the Chon Buri Provincial Employment Office, including Phuwakon Tosingsakorn, with support from Naratip Sutthitham, Kornsak Janthong, and officers from the Internal Security Operations Command in Chon Buri. The operation formed part of the fiscal year 2026 action plan to prevent forced labour, illegal employment, and human trafficking in the province. The team inspected five workplaces in total, focusing on construction and food service businesses.
Officials confirmed that the sites employed 35 Thai workers, 47 Myanmar workers, and 12 Chinese workers who were found to be working legally with valid permits. However, a separate group of 12 Chinese nationals (9 men and 3 women) were discovered working without authorisation. Their roles included construction supervision, procurement of building materials, cooking, and customer service duties in Chinese-run restaurants.
Picture courtesy of แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง
During the raid, workers at a construction site reportedly scattered in panic, with some escaping into nearby forested areas while abandoning personal belongings. At one Chinese restaurant, a cook was found attempting to hide beneath a preparation table after noticing officers entering the premises. At another restaurant, customers were observed sitting in groups playing cards while waiting for food service.
Authorities detained all 12 individuals and transferred them to Bo Win Police Station for prosecution under Section 8 and Section 101 of the Foreigners Working Management Emergency Decree BE 2560 (2017), as amended. A separate charge was filed against one Chinese female employer for hiring undocumented foreign workers under Section 9 and Section 102 of the same law. Complaints were also lodged against four additional employers for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Officials said the case remains under investigation as authorities work to identify all responsible employers and ensure compliance with labour regulations across the region.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now แจ็ค โพธิ์แดง 27 June 2026