Lao National Arrested for Riding Motorcycle Taxi in Bangkok

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Immigration officers have arrested a foreign national for illegally working as a motorcycle taxi driver, an occupation reserved for Thai citizens.

 

The arrest followed an operation led by senior immigration officials, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyaluck, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, who had instructed officers to intensify checks on foreigners working in prohibited occupations.

 

Acting on intelligence, Pol. Col. Pholasit Sutthiart and Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Puangsomboon, investigators from Immigration Division 1, were informed about a man of foreign appearance operating a motorcycle taxi near Paradise Soi, Huai Khwang District. Undercover officers hired the suspect to transport them to Huai Khwang Police Station, engaging him in conversation during the ride.

 

Upon arrival, waiting immigration officers identified the suspect as Mr. Leklai, a 32-year-old Lao national, who had entered Thailand on a three-nationality labour visa (NON-LA) on 30 July 2024, with permission to stay until 29 July 2026. He also presented a valid work permit, which matched his visa’s expiry date.

 

However, his job as a motorcycle taxi driver violated the Ministry of Labour’s 2023 regulations, which strictly prohibit foreigners from working in certain professions, including public transport services.

 

During questioning, Mr. Leklai admitted to working illegally for three days, earning around 300 baht per day. He had rented the official motorcycle taxi vest from a Thai acquaintance to appear legitimate.

 

Authorities charged him with working outside his permitted occupation and informed him of his legal rights. He was then handed over to Huai Khwang Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

 

-- 2025-04-02

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

2 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

informed about a man of foreign appearance

They all look the same to me, Lao and Thai's.