In a substantial operation on January 12th, 2026, Thai immigration authorities detained 37 foreign nationals in Pattaya for violations, including illegal entry, visa overstays, and unauthorised work. Led by Pol. Col. Naphatphong Khosit Suriyamanee, the Chonburi Immigration Office teamed up with local police forces to conduct the raid targeting an eight-storey condominium in Soi Pattaya Sai 2. This action highlights ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws in the tourist hotspot.

The raid followed intelligence from residents concerned that the building was harbouring undocumented workers from various countries. Suspects detained included two Myanmar nationals for illegal entry, two overstayers (a Chinese male and an Uzbek female), seven Indians working without permits, and 20 individuals who failed to report their residence as required by law.

Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Chief of Pattaya City Police Station, confirmed that the arrested individuals are now in custody at the station, facing legal proceedings. The authorities emphasised their commitment to cracking down on immigration offences and aiming to maintain order in Chonburi Province.

As authorities press ahead with these enforcement actions, legal penalties await those detained. Serious violators facing deportation include those caught for illegal entry, unauthorised employment, or visa overstays, while others may face fines for failing to report their residence, according to THe Pattaya News.

Key Takeaways:

• 37 foreign nationals detained in Pattaya for immigration violations.

• The raid was a joint effort by Thai immigration and police authorities.

• Detained individuals face deportation or fines depending on the offence.

Related Stories:

19 Indians Arrested in Pattaya in Illegal Online Work Raid

Immigration Raid in Pattaya Cracks Down on Illegal Foreign Workers

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Pattaya News 2026-01-13

 

 

Good.

Always nice to see Thai immigration rounding up these deadbeats.

Kick them out and ban for at least 1-2 years.

& the owner of the building or landlords - no charges?

15 minutes ago, phil2407 said:

& the owner of the building or landlords - no charges?

It doesn't say. But I would hope so.

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Uzbek female),

Exotic.

3 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Exotic.

Sure! if you feel like it, just apply for deportation at the same time.

1 hour ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Good.

Always nice to see Thai immigration rounding up these deadbeats.

Kick them out and ban for at least 1-2 years.

+1 That´s the way to go. Out with the pack!

1 minute ago, Gottfrid said:

Sure! if you feel like it, just apply for deportation at the same time.

Not sure why I would apply for deportation from Canada. Maybe send me to northern Scotland.

Will you pay for me to be deported ? Id be game.

6 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Not sure why I would apply for deportation from Canada.

One reason could be that Trump want´s the country together with Greenland. 😂

7 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Will you pay for me to be deported ? Id be game.

Short of money?

3 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

One reason could be that Trump want´s the country together with Greenland. 😂

Short of money?

I am Canadian though.

22 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Exotic.

Not alone on beach rd.

10 hours ago, webfact said:

and 20 individuals who failed to report their residence as required by law.

Isn't this the responsibility of the owner / manager of the property?

13 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Good.

Always nice to see Thai immigration rounding up these deadbeats.

Kick them out and ban for at least 1-2 years.

Needs to be done but deadbeats? THey are here working hard trying to better themselves. Sad really but at least it makes you smile.

1 hour ago, atpeace said:

Needs to be done but deadbeats? THey are here working hard trying to better themselves. Sad really but at least it makes you smile.

Yes. Meanwhile, Thai guys swing in a hammock all day, drinking whiskey, while they send their sister / wife / girlfriend off to work in a bar. 🙂

Looking at those nationalities, that sounds like a real quality condo.

On 1/13/2026 at 7:08 AM, phil2407 said:

& the owner of the building or landlords - no charges?

I think they are concentrating on the facts at hand. Charges for owner/landlords may eventually come. They might already be in the works. Who knows?

16 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Isn't this the responsibility of the owner / manager of the property?

yes, but they can't do it if the tenants don't produce their passports for the manager when they arrive. These are details we don't know.

11 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Yes. Meanwhile, Thai guys swing in a hammock all day, drinking whiskey, while they send their sister / wife / girlfriend off to work in a bar. 🙂

There is so much truth to this..

Off topic, but last time I was in Phuket, I could hardly see Thai ladies doing the harder kind of work, or the work with longer hours. There were ladies or men from neighbouring countries doing that.

Thai girls were overflooding bars though. Easy money, so their families at home could swing in a hammock..

I was almost thrown in jail because I was traveling when my 90 day report came due. I went to the local immigration office and they would not accept the 90 day report. I finally had to fly back to CM where my one year extension was from. Don't miss Thailand for one minute.

On 1/13/2026 at 7:08 AM, phil2407 said:

& the owner of the building or landlords - no charges?

Business as usual...

4 hours ago, thaibreaker said:

There is so much truth to this..

Off topic, but last time I was in Phuket, I could hardly see Thai ladies doing the harder kind of work, or the work with longer hours. There were ladies or men from neighbouring countries doing that.

Thai girls were overflooding bars though. Easy money, so their families at home could swing in a hammock..

If they can overthrow the junta in Myanmar and become a democracy, Myanmar will start its journey towards some prosperity. Burmese will head back to Myanmar are there will be a lot of foreign investment and jobs.

If / when this happens, there will be a massive labor shortage in Thailand across many industries including hospitality and construction. The Thai's will not do the jobs that foreign labor have been doing for year. The Thai economy will take a big hit.

4 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

yes, but they can't do it if the tenants don't produce their passports for the manager when they arrive. These are details we don't know.

Name one time or place where you have been allowed access to accommodation without showing any ID?

The only time is in short time rooms, but I don't classify that as accommodation.

3 hours ago, Gknrd said:

I was almost thrown in jail because I was traveling when my 90 day report came due. I went to the local immigration office and they would not accept the 90 day report. I finally had to fly back to CM where my one year extension was from. Don't miss Thailand for one minute.

About a Missing 90 day Report, Nobody (Mai you can't pay?) has to leave TH. 2k or max 4k. If you Miss one, you can pay when you Go a immi (extetion) next time.

Years ago i misst my 2end and the immi i cald tolde me do not make something

more. Pay when you make your next Extension.

37 to go...will be probably replaced by 137 shortly !!

One may rant against these illegals, but who employs them ? Very often, it's the locals who employ illegals for obvious reasons of greed and to underpay. Should it be Thailand or most other nations.

If one wants to stop the racket and trafficking, one needs to be more harsh by the law towards the firms and individuals who employ illegals. But as many legal issues get solved with a few wads of THB all is under control.

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

If they can overthrow the junta in Myanmar and become a democracy, Myanmar will start its journey towards some prosperity. Burmese will head back to Myanmar are there will be a lot of foreign investment and jobs.

If / when this happens, there will be a massive labor shortage in Thailand across many industries including hospitality and construction. The Thai's will not do the jobs that foreign labor have been doing for year. The Thai economy will take a big hit.

Do you think that's really possible though? Can't say I'm up to speed on the situation but the junta have been in charge for about 60 years with a roughly 10 year period of short lived democracy which came to an end in 2021-ish. What suggests to you that is about to change anytime soon? Genuine question.

11 minutes ago, Chutney said:

Do you think that's really possible though? Can't say I'm up to speed on the situation but the junta have been in charge for about 60 years with a roughly 10 year period of short lived democracy which came to an end in 2021-ish. What suggests to you that is about to change anytime soon? Genuine question.

They are going ok. At the time of the below article, they held two thirds of the country.

In the last few weeks, the junta has hit back hard.

I can see a day when Myanmar will be a free country.

Not long ago I red there were 700000 illegal working in Thailand.

And they can only find 37.

4 minutes ago, xtrnuno41 said:

Not long ago I red there were 700000 illegal working in Thailand.

And they can only find 37.

You will most likely find most of the 37 were arrested a day or two before pay day. Their Thai employers are such nice people.

Good... as Thailand is teeming with people that should not be here and taking the piss.

On 1/14/2026 at 2:45 AM, Somrak said:

About a Missing 90 day Report, Nobody (Mai you can't pay?) has to leave TH. 2k or max 4k. If you Miss one, you can pay when you Go a immi (extetion) next time.

Years ago i misst my 2end and the immi i cald tolde me do not make something

more. Pay when you make your next Extension.

Wish I would have know that at the time. I was down in southern Thailand doing some birding. The guy at the immigration office acted as if he had never seen or knew what to do with a foreigner.. Strangest place I have ever seen, I got there and he was out running errands. I asked him about the 90 day report, and he threatened to call the police when I would not leave and asked why no 90 day report.. loco...

Had a similar problem in Hat Yai..