Officials Raid Billion-Baht Factory Site in Rayong Over Labor Violations

Surachat Thiantong, secretary to the Labor Minister, along with labor ministry spokesman Phipatchai Paibun and staff members, visited Rayong province to investigate foreign worker employment at a foreign company's factory construction project valued at over 1 billion baht spread across more than 200 acres. The facility is described as the company's second plant, following an earlier investment in Chachoengsao province.

During the inspection led by Saeksit Sawaryathipati, deputy director of the Department of Employment, in coordination with the DSI's Special Case Operations Center and related agencies, officials found the workforce divided into two groups: an office section with approximately 60 employees, more than 50 of them Chinese and only 8 Thai; and a construction area with over 200 workers, mostly Chinese and Myanmar nationals with just 6 Thai workers serving as site coordinators. Construction supervisors were reported to be Chinese.

Some workers fled during the inspection, but officials managed to detain 84 individuals. Preliminary findings identified six Chinese workers and eight Myanmar workers lacking valid work permits or proper employment documentation. They were taken into custody for legal proceedings. Some supervisory staff reportedly escaped in vehicles from the rear of the project, and authorities ordered the company to produce them and submit relevant documentation.

Surachat stated that while Thailand welcomes foreign investment, all employment must comply with Thai labor law and prioritize opportunities for Thai workers. Labor Ministry spokesman Phipatchai emphasized the need for thorough investigation of employment proportions, Thai hiring practices, and whether foreign workers' assigned positions comply with regulations. He noted that large construction sites with very few Thai workers and mostly foreign supervisors require clear examination of employment structure and legal compliance.