Immigration authorities have arrested 146 foreign nationals for illegal employment offences and revoked 250 visas as part of a sweeping crackdown in Pattaya and surrounding areas. The operation, led by Immigration Division 3, targets foreign workers taking jobs reserved for Thai nationals. Officials confirmed continued enforcement, including arrests, visa cancellations and blacklisting. Get today's headlines by email The announcement was made on 24 March at Chon Buri Immigration Office (Pattaya) by Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Division 3, alongside senior officers. The crackdown follows national policy directives from Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and Pol Lt Gen Phanumart Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. Picture courtesy of Matichon Authorities have been instructed to intensify investigations, suppress illegal activity and deport offending foreign nationals. Between 16 and 22 March 2026, a total of 146 offenders were arrested, including 63 Myanmar nationals, 42 Laotians, 14 Cambodians, 14 Chinese, eight Vietnamese and five others, with one Laotian overstaying by 2,061 days. Most offences involved working without permits (98 cases) or beyond authorised roles (49 cases). Prohibited occupations included street vending (36 cases), barbering (1 case) and clerical work (1 case), while other roles included shop sales (44 cases), labour work (36 cases), restaurant work (6 cases) and other jobs (28 cases). Since February, authorities have revoked 250 visas linked to illegal employment. Officials have also implemented proactive measures by coordinating with ride-hailing and delivery platforms Grab, Bolt and LINE MAN. The aim is to prevent foreign nationals from taking Thai-only jobs and to investigate the illegal use of Thai user accounts rented to foreigners, which authorities described as a serious offence. Enforcement will continue alongside public awareness campaigns to ensure foreign workers understand and comply with the law. Matichon reported that authorities have urged the public to report suspected violations to immigration offices nationwide or via the official website. All reports will be investigated, with confirmed offences resulting in arrest, visa revocation and blacklisting. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 25 Mar 2026
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