PHANAT NIKHOM, Chonburi– On May 6th, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM, Mr. Chayaphon Rattanawisutthikul, District Chief of Phanat Nikhom, led a joint team of administrative officials, military personnel from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), and Immigration Police in a raid on an unlicensed furniture factory in Moo 11, Tambon Mon Nang, Phanat Nikhom District.
The operation was launched following complaints from local residents, which were forwarded to Chonburi Provincial authorities. The Provincial Governor ordered the district chief to investigate the site after reports indicated the factory was operating illegally without proper permits and employing undocumented foreign workers.
Officials discovered the sprawling facility, covering approximately 80 rai (about 32 acres) of land, consisting of four large warehouses used for furniture production. The factory is reportedly owned by a Chinese investor.
During the inspection, authorities found around 150 foreign workers, primarily from China and Myanmar. None possessed valid work permits or legal documentation to reside and work in Thailand with most on tourist visas but some had also illegally entered Thailand. Further checks revealed that while the operator had applied for a construction permit from the local municipality, they had not received approval to commence production operations.
All 150 workers and the Chinese employer were arrested and taken to Phanat Nikhom Police Station for legal proceedings. They face various charges related to illegal entry, working without permits, and operating a business without proper licensing.
