Authorities in Chon Buri raided El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse in North Pattaya on September 4, detaining a Slovakian manager and six Myanmar nationals over alleged labour, licensing and hygiene breaches.

The restaurant, near the Dolphin Roundabout, was targeted after officials received several tip-offs alleging illegal foreign employment and unlicensed trading.

The operation was ordered by Chon Buri governor Naris Niramaiwong and involved Bang Lamung district officials, the Provincial Employment Office, Immigration police and public health inspectors.

Workers found in kitchen and bar roles

Officers found six Myanmar nationals working at the restaurant: four as kitchen chefs and two behind the bar.

Their work permits were reportedly registered for general manual labour rather than skilled positions including cooking and bartending. Thai labour regulations restrict foreign workers from taking certain occupations reserved for Thai nationals, while work permit holders must work within their approved role.

The restaurant's 40-year-old Slovakian manager, identified only as Tomas, was also detained. He told officers the business was awaiting permit approval, but officials said their records showed that no municipal licence for food service or food storage had ever been issued.

Running an unlicensed food establishment can carry a prison term of up to six months, a fine of up to 50,000 baht, or both.

Hygiene concerns raised during inspection

Public health inspectors also reported several kitchen hygiene problems, including substandard food containers, overflowing bins and toxic cleaning chemicals kept beside food preparation areas.

Food samples were seized for laboratory testing.

Tomas and the six Myanmar workers were taken to Pattaya City Police Station, where they face formal legal proceedings.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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7 September 2026

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Yuck !

Sounds filthy ... and expensive !

Maybe a knockoff El Gaucho?

Argentinan food: here eat more meat on a stick until you waddle 😃

36 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Yuck !

Sounds filthy ... and expensive !

Maybe a knockoff El Gaucho?

Dani has 29 Elgaucho locations in Thailand and Vietnam.

knock off off what exactly ?

6 Myanmar chefs in the kitchen? Cheap labour so the steaks there must be affordable. Oh, that's right, most steaks at El Gaucho run 2,000+ baht....

Myanmar chefs... I can already imagine the quality of the food prepared by ''Myanmar chefs''.

Off topic post removed @PomPolo

Never tried it, but must be damn good.

If only they can get their hygiene and work permits sorted out.

Does this affect the Gaucho restaurants in Bangkok?

11 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Does this affect the Gaucho restaurants in Bangkok?

That's what I was wondering. I've been to several El Gaucho restaurants. They are indeed expensive but the food is really good. It's my go-to restaurant for steak. One thing I have always noticed is none of the waiters or waitresses are Thai. Usually they are Indian, Burmese or Vietnamese. Their service and English language abilities are exceptional. Maybe that's why they are recruited.

El Gaucho is high profile due to the quality of food and service and I can't help but think a competitor in Pattaya tipped off immigration police. It's just a matter of time before that happens in Bangkok and other locations, unless the owner has paid 'protection' against that kind of thing. Even if they all have work permits, the owner/manager would struggle to meet the Thai/Foreigner ratio. In any case, I guess food service is a restricted occupation?

3 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Argentinan food: here eat more meat on a stick until you waddle 😃

Argentinian "style" perhaps but a close look at the fine print reveals most of the beef served is from Australia.

Googled Argentine Steak and none of the images looked anything like the steak I had in Argentina.

19 minutes ago, dddave said:

Argentinian "style" perhaps but a close look at the fine print reveals most of the beef served is from Australia.

No fine print about it.

Menu clearly states origin of each cut of meat sold.

Eat at home, you'll be healthier and happier if you do.