Picture courtesy of Naewna.

 

In a workplace inspection that unfolded like a scene from a spy film, authorities uncovered a hidden room behind a filing cabinet at a factory in Rayong province, revealing 16 Chinese nationals quietly hiding from law enforcement. The raid, which took place on 11 June at an industrial facility in Nikhom Phatthana district, exposed suspected illegal labour activity and led to the detention of 22 individuals.

 

The operation was led by Rayong MPs Ms. Sawangjit Laoharojanaphan and Mr. Krit Sinlapachai, in cooperation with local administrative officers and the provincial employment department. Acting on a tip-off about possible illegal foreign workers at the site, officials moved in to inspect the premises.

 

Upon entering the factory compound, some workers were seen fleeing in all directions, with several wearing company uniforms. When investigators reached the office area, they noticed suspicious activity around a large filing cabinet. After moving it aside, they discovered a hidden door labelled “Document Room.” To their surprise, the space behind it was being used to conceal 16 Chinese men and women, all of whom were sitting silently in hiding.

 

Outside the office, several more Chinese individuals were detained for questioning, bringing the total to 22.

 

Ms. Sawangjit stated that the inspection followed public complaints and intelligence reports suggesting unauthorised foreign workers were operating in the factory. Upon questioning, all those discovered inside the hidden room denied being employed, claiming they were in Thailand as tourists and had entered the country on 7 May 2025.

Initial investigations revealed that only two of the 22 individuals admitted to entering the country illegally and working without permits. They are now facing charges for working without authorisation, which carries fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht. In addition to prosecution, they will be deported and barred from applying for work permits for two years.

 

The remaining 20 individuals are undergoing further verification to determine the legality of their entry and purpose of stay. Officials have pledged to continue investigating the factory’s employment practices and to identify any networks facilitating the use of illegal foreign labour.

 

The authorities emphasised the importance of proper work documentation and warned employers against hiding unregistered workers. The incident underscores growing concerns about human trafficking and labour exploitation in Thailand’s industrial sector.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-06-13

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Upon questioning, all those discovered inside the hidden room denied being employed, claiming they were in Thailand as tourists and had entered the country on 7 May 2025.

 

It is clearly obvious that they were not tourists as hiding in a secret room is not a tourist activity is it ?? ..................LOL

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

 

It is clearly obvious that they were not tourists as hiding in a secret room is not a tourist activity is it ?? ..................LOL

Unfortunately we will probably never know as 'follow up' seems to be little understood in Thai journalism......... 

1 hour ago, topt said:

Unfortunately we will probably never know as 'follow up' seems to be little understood in Thai journalism......... 

Don't lay too much blame on poor journalism.  Thailand's judicial system is far less transparent that most Western countries. 

Hearings and trials are frequently held behind closed doors and results rarely announced.  Thailand does not use a jury system.  Trials are held before either a single judge or a panel of judges depending on the court and the offense.  Judges have the option of closing proceedings to the public and press and do so more often than not.