Labor Department Raids Construction Site, Arrests 24 Undocumented Workers
Labor authorities arrested 24 undocumented foreign workers at a construction site in Rayong's Ban Chang district, charging them and three employers under immigration laws after receiving public complaints.
The Department of Employment raided a construction site in Ban Chang district, Rayong province on August 11, discovering 24 foreign workers—three Chinese and 21 Myanmar nationals—employed illegally without work permits. Somchai Morkatsriwan, the department's director-general, said the operation was coordinated with multiple agencies including Provincial Police and Immigration authorities after media reports and public complaints prompted an investigation.
Of 198 workers found at the site, the 24 undocumented foreigners were charged under the Alien Occupation Management Act of 2560 (2017). One Chinese worker faced additional charges for emergency or short-term work exceeding permitted limits. Three employers were also charged with hiring foreign workers without valid permits and referred to Ban Chang Police Station for prosecution.
The department warned employers nationwide to verify work permits before hiring foreigners and reminded foreign workers that they must obtain proper authorization. The public is encouraged to report illegal employment to the Central Registration and Protection Bureau at 0-2354-1729 or provincial employment offices, or call the department's hotline at 1506, extension 2.
