Crime Labour Ministry Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign Workers in Rayong

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Ministry of Labour has arrested 44 illegal foreign workers at industrial sites in Rayong province, in a campaign aimed at preventing job displacement for Thai nationals and improving transparency in the labour system.

 

Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the operation was part of a proactive initiative to enforce laws governing foreign employment. The inspections took place on 26 May at Pinthong Industrial Estate 6 and a construction site belonging to Midea Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd., both located in Nikhom Phatthana District.

 

Mr Pipat said he had instructed Mr Pichet Thongpan, the Ministry’s Inspector-General, to lead the special task force Trai Thep Phithak in coordination with the Rayong Provincial Employment Office.

 

The operation uncovered 44 illegal foreign workers in total. Violations included:

 

• Working beyond legal permissions under Section 8 of the Royal Ordinance on the Management of Foreign Workers: three Chinese nationals and two Myanmar nationals were found to be working without valid permits.

 

• Violation of Section 64/2: 31 Chinese workers (33 men and 3 women in total) and eight Myanmar nationals had failed to notify authorities of their employer, workplace and job description within the required 15-day period.

 

All individuals have been handed over to Nikhom Phatthana Police Station for legal proceedings.

 

Mr Pichet added that the inspections follow the minister’s directive to ensure foreign labour remains within legal frameworks and does not displace Thai workers. “This initiative aims to enhance Thailand’s labour system, ensuring it is transparent, fair, and accountable. We will continue regular inspections in industrial areas across the country to ensure all foreign workers are legally employed and not a burden on society,” he stated.

 

The Ministry of Labour reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement of employment laws to protect local jobs and uphold Thailand’s international reputation in labour management.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-28.

 

 

 

[saintdomingo]

I am curious, what jobs were 30+ Chinese people doing in Rayong.

[phil2407]

Why is down to employees where they work- surely that should be the employer as they employ them?