Over 100 migrant workers arrested in Phuket, half deemed illegal

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Over 100 migrant workers arrested in Phuket, half deemed illegal
Eakkapop Thongtub


The raids were carried out at a work's camp and construction site in Thalang. Photo: Royal Thai Navy

PHUKET: -- More than 100 migrant workers were arrested on Sunday afternoon (July 17) during raids on a worker’s camp and construction site in Thalang.

However, almost half were later released without charge after their employers turned up at the police station with their work permits.

Wonsurachat Decharun, Deputy Chief of Security Affairs Group at Phuket Provincial Office, and officials from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command joined together to take part in the raids targetting workers located in Thalang.

Mr Wonsurachat said, “The first raid was carried out at 2:30pm at a camp on Moo 1, Srisoonthorn where 70 arrests were made.

Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/over-100-migrant-workers-arrested-in-phuket-half-deemed-illegal-58312.php

-- Phuket News 2016-07-19

[Ulic]

Nice of them to release the ones with work permits. Could have saved some paperwork by

not arresting first and just waiting for the employers to bring the brown envelope work permits.

[Srikcir]

So the authorities appeared to have made arrests solely because people were migrants.

Discriminatory law enforcemnent is itself a denial of human rights - a presumption of guilt until proven innocent.

This seems to be a recurring practice in Thailand.

[SOTIRIOS]

.....wow.......'deemed'.....implies arbitrary decision/interpretation.......

...is that how it works....???

[Old Croc]

Once you receive your Thai Work Permit, you must follow these regulations:

• You must carry your work permit or keep it in the office during working hours to show to government officers any time. A fine of not more than 1,000 baht will be paid by those who violate this.

[NamKangMan]

Once you receive your Thai Work Permit, you must follow these regulations:

• You must carry your work permit or keep it in the office during working hours to show to government officers any time. A fine of not more than 1,000 baht will be paid by those who violate this.

I doubt these "slaves" have ever seen their work permits, if they in fact exist.