Rayong provincial police have arrested 18 Chinese men accused of working without permits at a large data centre construction project in Ban Chang district.
The operation took place on 19 August, when officers from Rayong's Centre for Suppression of Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration inspected the site and found Chinese workers carrying out construction work, police said.
The raid was led by Pol Maj Gen Pramote Ngampradit, commander of Rayong Provincial Police, alongside Pol Col Torsak Sareerat, deputy provincial police commander, Pol Lt Col Phuwanat Phutithuan and officers from the specialist unit.
Workers ran as police entered site
Police said they identified themselves and asked to inspect the workers' identity documents and legally required work permits.
As officers entered the construction area, Chinese and Myanmar workers reportedly became alarmed and ran in different directions. The police team split up to pursue and detain suspects, eventually taking 18 Chinese men into custody.
Checks of their documentation found that none of the 18 men held work permits, according to police. All were Chinese nationals working on construction at the Ban Chang site, officers said.
They were charged with working as foreigners without a work permit under Section 8 of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers.
The men were handed to investigators at Ban Chang Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities said their immigration status and any deportation process will be considered following checks by the relevant agencies.
Rayong police said inspections will continue at construction sites and businesses employing foreign labour. The stated aim is to prevent illegal work, examine employers and others involved, and ensure the employment of foreign workers complies with the law.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
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20 August 2026
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