Immigration Police Arrest Three Illegal Cambodian, Myanmar Workers
Immigration Bureau 4 arrested three foreign workers — two Cambodians and one Myanmar national — for illegal entry and working without permits at a construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima. The operation followed a national policy to crack down on illegal foreign labor amid ongoing border tensions with Cambodia. Authorities urge the public to report suspicious foreign activity via the 1178 hotline.
Immigration Bureau 4 implemented the government's policy and the order of Immigration Bureau Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Noppasit Poolsawat to 'act immediately' on illegal foreign workers. Following the commissioner's directive that 'good people enter easily, bad people enter with difficulty; if they sneak in, we will catch them,' police nationwide have been instructed to strictly inspect foreigners entering for tourism and business to ensure compliance with the law, particularly prohibiting illegal employment.
Immigration Bureau 4 Commander Pol. Col. Phairach Phukcharoen immediately ordered Deputy Superintendent Pol. Lt. Col. Chayut Nilprasert, Deputy Superintendent Pol. Lt. Col. Rachata Thammanan, and Inspector Pol. Lt. Col. Woraphong Sirintruwong to lead investigative teams to inspect foreigners violating laws in all dimensions. After intelligence indicated Cambodian laborers had fled across the border and were working covertly in various businesses, officers conducted checks until October 21, 2026, when they inspected a construction site in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
They discovered illegal foreign workers hiding on site. As officers moved to arrest them, the suspects fled in different directions but were all eventually apprehended. Three suspects were arrested and charged: two Cambodian nationals, Mr. Mam and Mr. Thieng, and one Myanmar national, Mr. Wan. Mr. Mam was charged with staying in the kingdom after his permit expired and working without a work permit. Mr. Thieng was charged with entering the kingdom without permission (illegal entry) and working without a work permit. Mr. Wan was charged with entering the kingdom without permission (illegal entry).
Investigation revealed all suspects attempted to blend in with Thai and legal foreign workers at the site to evade detection, but were spotted by Immigration officers. This operation reflects the Immigration Bureau's continued strict enforcement against illegal foreigners, especially while the Thai-Cambodian border situation remains tense and land border checkpoints remain closed, to maintain national security and order per government and commissioner policy. The public is urged to report suspicious foreigners or security threats via the Immigration hotline 1178, available 24 hours.
