Immigration Raids in Pattaya and Si Racha Uncover Over 100 Illegal Workers

[Georgealbert]

 

 

In a major crackdown on illegal labour, immigration officers in Chonburi, led by Police Colonel Napaspong Kositsuriyamanee and Police Colonel Jirapong Rujiradamrongchai, conducted coordinated raids on a luxury hotel construction site on Pattaya Second Road and a migrant labour camp in Si Racha. The operation on November 7, which involved over 50 officers, resulted in the arrest of more than 100 illegal foreign workers.

 

The first raid targeted a 12-story hotel construction site on Pattaya’s Second Road. Officers surrounded the premises and began surprise checks. Upon the arrival of the officers, many foreign workers, primarily from Myanmar and Cambodia, attempted to flee the scene. During the search, over 100 workers were found to be in violation of immigration laws. Among them, 12 had entered Thailand illegally via natural border crossings in Mae Sot, Tak Province, while another 88 had failed to register their residence. All individuals found in violation were taken to the Pattaya Immigration Office for further legal processing.

 

In a simultaneous operation, Chonburi Immigration officers also raided a labour camp in the Pinthong 4 area, Bueng Subdistrict, Si Racha District. This raid involved checks on over 300 migrant workers, leading to the detention of 21 individuals. Violations included expired permits, failure to submit proper entry documentation, and unauthorised residence in Thailand. Those detained were handed over to the Nong Kham Police Station for further legal action.

 

Police Colonel Napaspong emphasized that these operations align with directives from National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet, who has called for intensified immigration inspections nationwide. The aim is to address illegal labour practices, protect job opportunities for Thai citizens, and enhance safety for tourists during the high season.

 

Picture courtesy of immigration.

-- 2024-11-08

 

[jacko45k]

Let us not focus too much on these workers, those who were employing them and any who arranged to transport them are culpable. I thought there were plenty of ways foreign labour could be employed here, they seem to be everywhere. 

[mikebell]

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The aim is to address illegal labour practices, protect job opportunities for Thai citizens,

The aim is to get a week's/month's work out of them then invite Immigration in to avoid paying wages for that time.