Operation Targets Illegal Foreign Workers in Nonthaburi

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Authorities in Nonthaburi province have conducted a crackdown on illegal foreign workers, detaining 23 individuals from Cambodia, India and Myanmar who were found working unlawfully, including collecting recyclables and selling ice cream and fruit.

The operation was ordered by Nonthaburi Governor Mr. Kiattisak Trongsiri and involved a special task force comprising officials from the provincial special operations unit, the Nonthaburi Employment Office, security officers and immigration police led by Police Colonel Padthongthiw Damapong, Chief of Nonthaburi Immigration Police. The team worked in close cooperation to enforce the Ministry of Interior’s policy against illegal employment.

During inspections in Soi Samakki and Soi Thansamrit in Tha Sai subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi district, officers discovered 23 foreign workers illegally residing and working: 16 Cambodians, six Indians and one Myanmar national.

All detainees were taken into custody along with evidence including tricycles (saleng) used for collecting scrap and branded ice cream carts. They were brought to the Land Protection Volunteer Command Company headquarters in Nonthaburi for further processing.

Among those arrested, 16 workers, nine Cambodians, six Indians, and one Myanmar, were charged with working without permits. The remaining seven Cambodians faced charges for illegal entry.

One Cambodian woman told officers she had entered Thailand clandestinely about three months ago seeking employment. While awaiting work, she relied on her savings but was apprehended before finding a job.

She explained that she had intended to return home but was caught in confusion caused by the irregular opening and closing times of border checkpoints amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Uncertain how to travel back, she remained stranded until detained by authorities. She expressed her intention to seek work back in Cambodia if repatriated.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-03