Rayong, Thailand – The Tourist Police Bureau, under the direction of Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Commander of the Royal Thai Police, and Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, has intensified efforts to crack down on foreign nationals illegally working in Thailand. This operation targets activities that undermine the Thai labor system and may be linked to transnational crime.
Led by Police Major Generals Phongsayam Meekhanthong, Krit Varith, and M.L. Santhikorn Worawan, Deputy Commanders of the Tourist Police Bureau, along with Police Colonel Man Rotthong, Superintendent of the Investigation Division, and investigative teams headed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Kritphorn Saengsura, Police Captain Phattharaphon Chuchai, and Police Captain Warin Srimanasrat, authorities conducted a targeted operation at a construction site in the Nikhom Phatthana Industrial Estate, Rayong Province.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 34 foreign nationals, comprising seven Chinese and 27 Myanmar nationals, all of whom were found working illegally under the guise of tourist visas.
Some of the suspects provided the following statements:
– One individual, employed for just one month at the Dadi Project, was tasked with overseeing pile-driving operations and earned 27,000 baht per month.
– Another inspecting building structures, with a salary of 6,000–9,000 yuan per month, initially transferred through Chinese bank accounts and later paid in cash.
– A third suspect, entered Thailand to monitor project progress, receiving 6,000 yuan per month plus benefits from their Chinese employer. This individual had entered Thailand twice this year.
Acting on detailed intelligence and close surveillance, the Tourist Police Bureau’s Investigation Division gathered sufficient evidence to secure a search warrant (No. 118/2568, dated July 23, 2025) from the Rayong Provincial Court. The warrant allowed authorities to inspect the construction site within the Nikhom Phatthana Industrial Estate, a restricted area enclosed by high walls, making external access difficult.
The raid uncovered a group of Chinese and Myanmar workers operating without work permits. All suspects were charged with “working as a foreign national without a work permit” and informed of their legal rights. They were then handed over to the Nong Krab Police Station in Rayong for further legal proceedings.
