PATTAYA, Chonburi
On January 12th, 2026, a joint task force led by immigration authorities conducted a major raid on a condo in Pattaya, resulting in the detaining of 37 foreign nationals found to be violating Thai immigration laws, including illegal entry, overstaying visas, unauthorized employment, and failure to report their residence.
The operation was led by Pol. Col. Naphatphong Khosit Suriyamanee, Superintendent of the Chonburi Immigration Office, together with Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, the Chief of Pattaya City Police Station. The team included officers from the Chonburi Immigration Police, Pattaya City Police, and Pattaya Tourist Police.
The raid targeted a eight-story condominium located in Soi Pattaya Sai 2. Authorities acted on intelligence from concerned citizens indicating that the building was being used as a hideout for numerous undocumented foreign workers of various nationalities who had entered Thailand illegally and were engaging in unlawful activities.
During the thorough search of suspicious rooms, officers successfully detained the following individuals:
– 2 Myanmar nationals who had illegally entered the country
– 2 overstayers (one Chinese male and one Uzbek female)
– 7 Indian nationals working without proper work permits
– 20 others who failed to notify authorities of their place of residence, in violation of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979)
All 37 suspects were taken into custody and transferred to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities stated that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, unauthorized labor, and related violations in the popular tourist area.
The Chonburi Immigration Office stated that such enforcement actions will continue to ensure compliance with Thailand’s immigration laws and maintain order in the province.
As for those detained, more serious violations like illegal entry, working illegally, and overstay will face deportation, failure to notify residence will face associated fines.
