Illegal Bar Raided in Downtown Chiang Mai, 12 Undocumented Migrant Workers Arrested
Tourist Police raided a Chiang Mai bar and arrested 12 Myanmar workers whose permits didn't match their registered employers, violating work authorization rules.
On May 23, 2025, as part of a crackdown on foreign-linked criminal activities, the Tourist Police conducted a raid on a bar and karaoke establishment in downtown Chiang Mai. Under the direction of Police Major General Olarb Iamprapphas, commander of Tourist Police Region 2, and Police Colonel Pison Truamdi, the investigation team led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Avirut Sukhaem, along with Chiang Phueak Police Station officers, inspected the venue. Officers discovered 12 Myanmar nationals employed as musicians and staff. Although all possessed valid work permits, the permits did not match the employers listed in their documentation, violating regulations requiring workers to notify the registrar of their employer and workplace within 15 days of employment. The raid followed complaints about excessive noise from the establishment and reports that it served as a hub for Myanmar migrant worker networks. According to preliminary investigation, the bar has been operating since the Songkran festival period, primarily serving Myanmar clients and migrant laborers, with a Thai manager overseeing operations. All suspects have been handed over to Chiang Phueak Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities are currently tracking financial flows, employers, business owners, and capital backers involved in the operation.
