Picture of arrest.

 

Authorities in Phuket have arrested eight Chinese nationals at a construction site in Thalang district after they were found working illegally as contractors. The raid, which took place following a tip-off from a concerned citizen, led to a chaotic scene as some workers attempted to flee.

 

The operation was carried out by officers from the Immigration Bureau, Phuket Immigration, Phuket Provincial Employment Office, and the Tourist Police, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Phanumart Boonyaluck, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and other senior officials. 

 

The raid targeted a construction site in Moo 9, Thepkasattri subdistrict, after reports suggested that a group of foreign workers, believed to be Chinese, were engaged in unauthorised employment.

 

Upon arrival, officers encountered more than ten foreign individuals, some of whom tried to escape. Eight were successfully apprehended, all of whom later admitted to being Chinese nationals working on the project as construction contractors.

 

According to authorities, the individuals had arranged employment with local employers, receiving monthly wages of between 25,000 and 30,000 baht. Although they had entered Thailand on tourist visas, their permission to stay in the country had not yet expired.

 

All eight individuals were charged with “working as a foreign national without a work permit” and were informed of their legal rights before being taken to Thalang Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

Colonel Kriangkrai Ariyaying, head of Phuket Immigration, emphasised that the operation was part of a broader crackdown on foreigners exploiting tourist visas to work illegally in Thailand. He stated that the action followed strict orders from national police chief General Kittirat Phanphet and Immigration Commissioner Lieutenant General Phanumart Boonyaluck to tighten control over illegal employment, which is seen as taking job opportunities away from Thai workers.

 

The arrested individuals are now awaiting further legal action and potential deportation.

 

-- 2025-02-25

 

Chinese construction workers earning 25-35000 baht per month? Something is not right in this story.

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

According to authorities, the individuals had arranged employment with local employers, receiving monthly wages of between 25,000 and 30,000 baht. Although they had entered Thailand on tourist visas, their permission to stay in the country had not yet expired.

 

Will these local employers also be arrested?  If not why?

Coincidently on the way home from the school run today in Phuket I noticed a clean and new pick up truck with around 7 or 8 Chinese builders in the back. Obviously Chinese as they are distinct from the normal Burmese builders who mostly wear matching builders branded t shirts. Also certainly not Thai, so can only leave Chinese.

 

Maybe its becoming a big thing here?

 

25 - 30k, that's more than most Thai construction workers are getting in regular jobs.

Near a place I frequent, I have also been observing a group (4-5) Chinese workers who have been working very diligently completely renovating an old shophouse into a Mala restaurant. They are quite skilled and doing all the cementing, tiling, wood work, glass windows, painting by themselves. But they definitely seem to be co-owners and not hired labourers. They speak Chinese and very basic Thai.