Chinese and Myanmar Workers Held in Pathum Thani

A joint operation by employment, immigration, military intelligence and security officials led to the arrest of 122 undocumented foreign workers at a construction site in Pathum Thani on 11 June 2026. The workers were found at a project operated by China Electronics System Engineering No. 2 Construction Co., Ltd. (CESE2), an international construction and engineering contractor under a Chinese state-owned enterprise.

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The raid took place at the Damac Digital construction site inside Navanakorn Industrial Estate in Khlong Nueng subdistrict, Khlong Luang district. The operation was led by Pathum Thani Employment Office chief Nattaphon Jitriphot, labour specialist Surasak Srisutham, Colonel Kittisak Wattanadet, Deputy Director of Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Pathum Thani, the Central Registration Division of the Department of Employment, military intelligence officers and the Army Region 1 Operations Centre.

Officials said the investigation began after local residents complained that a large number of Chinese nationals were working at the site. Following coordination between employment authorities, intelligence units and ISOC, officials conducted checks and confirmed the presence of Chinese workers before launching the joint enforcement operation.

The construction site covers approximately five rai and includes the construction of a 20-storey building. When officials arrived, many workers reportedly attempted to flee.

Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

A total of 146 foreign workers were detained for screening. Authorities found that 122 workers lacked the required permits, while 24 were determined to be legally employed and were released after their details were recorded.

Among the 122 workers facing legal action were 86 Chinese nationals, including one woman, 34 Myanmar nationals and two Cambodian nationals. Authorities said they would be prosecuted for immigration and labour-related offences, including illegal entry, working outside permitted job categories and working without authorisation.

Officials completed records for all detainees before preparing to transfer them to the Immigration Bureau’s detention facility in Bangkok. They are expected to undergo deportation procedures and be removed from the Kingdom.

Thaitabloid reported that the operation reflects ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to investigate complaints regarding foreign labour and enforce immigration and employment regulations. No additional details regarding the construction project or potential penalties for employers were announced.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 13 June 2026

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