Crime Police Arrest 23 Illegal Chinese Workers Masquerading as Tourists in Pattaya & Rayong

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of ที่นี่ พัทยา

 

Tourist Police have arrested 23 Chinese nationals working illegally, under the guise of tourists, following a crackdown on illegal foreign labour by the Royal Thai Police. The workers, who were found on construction sites in Rayong and Pattaya, were earning between 20,000 and 40,000 baht per month without valid work permits.

 

The operation, launched under the directive of Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, is part of an intensified effort to rid the country of foreign nationals violating labour and immigration laws. The raids were led by the Tourist Police Bureau under the supervision of Lieutenant General Saksira Phueka-am, with senior support from Major General Phongsayam Meekhantong, Major General Krit Warit, and Major General M.L. Santhikorn Worawan.

Rayong Construction Site Raid – 11 Arrests

 

In the first operation, Tourist Police investigators received a tip-off about illegal foreign workers at a construction site in Map Yang Phon subdistrict, Pluak Daeng district, Rayong province. The site, operated by a company whose name was withheld, was reportedly employing several undocumented workers.

 

Upon inspection, police discovered 11 Chinese nationals engaged in construction work. All had entered Thailand on tourist visas/exemptions and were earning around 25,000 baht per month. They were promptly arrested and charged under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 for engaging in employment without permission and under the Foreign Workers Management Royal Decree B.E. 2560 (2017), which prohibits foreign nationals from working without a permit.

Pattaya South Site – 12 Detained

 

The second case involved a coordinated raid on a construction project located near South Pattaya Soi 1. Following an investigation, officers obtained a search warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court (Warrant No. 124/2568, dated 17 June 2025).

 

On 18 June, Tourist Police executed the warrant and searched the premises, uncovering 12 Chinese nationals working illegally. These individuals also entered Thailand as tourists and were found to be earning between 20,000 and 40,000 baht monthly, depending on their roles at the site. They were similarly charged with working without authorisation and for violating immigration law.

 

All suspects were informed of their legal rights and charges in accordance with due process and reportedly confessed to the offences during the arrest proceedings. They have since been handed over to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal action.

Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Labour

 

 

Tourist Police have reiterated their commitment to continued enforcement against illegal foreign workers operating under false pretences. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities via the 24-hour Tourist Police hotline at 1155.

 

This operation reflects an increasingly firm stance by authorities against the misuse of tourist visas for employment purposes, particularly within the construction sector. Authorities stress that legal employment in Thailand requires strict compliance with immigration and labour laws, including valid work permits issued by the Ministry of Labour.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from ที่นี่ พัทยา 2025-06-19

 

 

 

[blaze master]

Should have got a job as an English teacher. 

[sammieuk1]

It's the land of masquerading are those real policemen 🤔

 

[ozz1]

Someone didn't get paid

[jacko45k]

The article seems to focus more on the workers themselves, rather than the construction company employing them. They have no wriggle room to plead innocent in this and more deterrent is needed. 

[EVENKEEL]

So they're paying laborers up to 40K/month? And they hire Chinese? Would think Isaan is full of men to work for these wages.

[mikebell]

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

earning between 20,000 and 40,000 baht monthly, depending on their roles at the site.

I wonder what the 40K workers did?

[dddave]

4 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

So they're paying laborers up to 40K/month? And they hire Chinese? Would think Isaan is full of men to work for these wages.

Job sites need technicians with skills beyond those of normal laborers. Skilled electricians and technology specialists, inspectors, logistics co-ordinators to name just a few.