Pattaya’s bustling markets and entertainment zones were rocked by a dramatic crackdown on illegal foreign workers as Chon Buri provincial police launched a large-scale operation yesterday, November 28. The raid, involving over 100 officers, targeted individuals working unlawfully in jobs reserved for Thai nationals.
The sweep uncovered a significant number of violations at the Rattanakorn Thepprasit Market. Many foreign workers could only produce passports, lacking the crucial work permits required to be employed legally in Thailand. While some had valid documents, the majority were found flouting the law.
A group of Laotian nationals were found openly selling lottery tickets. When apprehended, they appeared unfazed, boldly admitting they were hired by Thai nationals and paid 7,000 baht to sell the tickets. One suspect even bragged about having connections that would shield them from punishment, a claim that highlights potential deeper issues of corruption.
Officers detained over 50 individuals, including street vendors selling flowers, food, and fruit. These workers, representing a range of nationalities, were taken to Pattaya Police Station for questioning. Legal proceedings are underway, with deportation set to follow, reported Pattaya Mail.
A spokesperson for the operation emphasised the importance of enforcing labour laws to protect jobs for Thai citizens.
“We are committed to maintaining fairness in the labour market and ensuring compliance with the law.”
In related news, more than 100 illegal foreign workers have been uncovered by immigration police during a significant operation at a luxury hotel construction site on Pattaya Second Road, Chon Buri province.
This joint initiative was spearheaded by immigration officials and a labour expert from the Chon Buri Provincial Employment Office. Over 50 officers converged on the construction site on November 7, where hundreds of workers were engaged in their tasks.
In other news, police in Bangkok pulled back the curtain on a rogue beauty operation raiding an illegal six-storey salon in the bustling Bang Kapi area and arresting seven women.
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