In an operation on October 4, local immigration authorities in Samut Prakan apprehended 22 foreign nationals working illegally without the necessary permits. This crackdown comes in response to complaints received from the public regarding the presence of undocumented workers selling fresh vegetables and food in local markets.

 

Under the directive of Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthipol Itthasanranchai, the Chief of Immigration Bureau, and assisted by Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanart and Pol. Maj. Gen. Nattakorn Praphain, officers from the Samut Prakan Immigration Office conducted an investigation at two locations: the Bang Phli Housing Market and a roadside market near a local company in Bang Phli District.

 

 

The investigation was prompted by reports submitted to the Ministry of Interior’s complaint centre, which alerted authorities to the illegal activities of foreign workers operating without work permits, thus potentially competing for local jobs.

 

During the operation, officers from the Samut Prakan Immigration Bureau, alongside officials from the Provincial Employment Office, uncovered several Cambodian and Myanmar nationals. Those arrested reportedly earned 500 baht a day, worked without days off or overtime pay, and operated their own stalls from 01.00 to 11.00 daily.

 

The arrested individuals face charges under the Immigration Act of 1979, Article 81, for being in the country without permission, as well as violations of the Foreign Workers Management Act of 2018 for working without proper permits.

 

Pol. Col. Sumet Janwongpitak, Chief of the Samut Prakan Immigration Office, urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving foreign nationals to assist in ongoing enforcement efforts.

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

-- 2024-10-06

 

 

Where I shop in Pattaya, I won't say where, all the veg stalls and most of the fruit stalls, are run by Cambodians. They do a very good trade and have brilliantly fresh produce. I don't understand the complete absence of Thais. Maybe they don't like the idea of getting up at 1am or thereabouts to open up, unbox the deliveries, and stack them on the stalls. And work through til 4 or 5pm. I assume they're all legal as they seem very well established with excellent supply chains.

On 10/6/2024 at 4:50 AM, Georgealbert said:

Those arrested reportedly earned 500 baht a day, worked without days off or overtime pay, and operated their own stalls from 01.00 to 11.00 daily.

That doesn't make any sense whatsoever

Here we need big up the thai efficiency, the us has millions streaming in, and my local police force cant arrest a single one of the 1000 that arrived yesterday!

😂🐘☻🙈

On 10/6/2024 at 5:50 AM, Georgealbert said:

The investigation was prompted by reports submitted to the Ministry of Interior’s complaint centre, which alerted authorities to the illegal activities of foreign workers operating without work permits, thus potentially competing for local jobs.

I know it's against the law, but surely if Thais don't want to do this job how can this be illegal?

8 hours ago, bradiston said:

Where I shop in Pattaya, I won't say where, all the veg stalls and most of the fruit stalls, are run by Cambodians. They do a very good trade and have brilliantly fresh produce. I don't understand the complete absence of Thais. Maybe they don't like the idea of getting up at 1am or thereabouts to open up, unbox the deliveries, and stack them on the stalls. And work through til 4 or 5pm. I assume they're all legal as they seem very well established with excellent supply chains.

 

It is a kind of sad when the illegal aliens are subject to penalty while they are  working hard and straight without committing common crimes.

They often take up kind of  jobs modern  Thais don't want to do.

On 10/6/2024 at 4:50 AM, Georgealbert said:

This crackdown comes in response to complaints received from the public regarding the presence of undocumented workers selling fresh vegetables and food in local markets.

 

Arresting a group of people after having their activities reported to them is in no way any kind of "crackdown".

10 hours ago, Watawattana said:

I know it's against the law, but surely if Thais don't want to do this job how can this be illegal?

 

My thoughts exactly.  I'm curious as to whether they were reported by other foreigners... 🤔