Region 5 Police Launch Crackdown on Illegal Workers; 150 Detained in 10-Site Sweep, 20 Facing Charges
Police in Chiang Mai launched a 10-site crackdown on illegal workers, detaining 150 foreign nationals and charging 20, following the May 18 death of a woman allegedly killed by a Myanmar national who fled to his home country.
Chiang Mai – Region 5 Police, working alongside Chiang Mai Provincial Police under the command of Maj. Gen. Krutthapol Yissakorn, Region 5 commander, and Pol. Col. Yutthana Kaenjun, Chiang Mai Provincial Police commander, have launched an aggressive operation to crack down on crime and illegal foreign workers. The effort seeks to strengthen security measures and restore public confidence following a shocking incident in the area.
The operation was prompted by an incident on May 18, 2025, when Mae Ping Police received a report of a disturbing discovery – the body of a young Tai Yai woman later identified as Nang Kham Ing (also known as Nang Kham Ying) found dead in a hotel bathroom in the San Phi Seua subdistrict, Muang Chiang Mai district.
Investigations and CCTV footage revealed that the room was rented by Zay Soo, a 46-year-old Myanmar national, who had driven the victim to the room on the night of May 16 before disappearing. The victim's son later identified his mother through her clothing, hairstyle, and ring at Suan Dok Hospital. Police gathered evidence and obtained an arrest warrant from Chiang Mai Provincial Court charging Zay Soo with premeditated murder. He is believed to have fled to Myanmar.
Given the incident and the pattern of crimes committed by foreign nationals that has alarmed residents, Region 5 Police launched Operation 'Thunder at San Phi Seua,' conducting coordinated raids across 10 locations including residences, rental housing, and foreign worker employment sites.
The operation resulted in the detention of 150 foreign nationals, whose information and photographs were recorded in the criminal database. Additionally, 20 individuals were arrested and charged, including 15 Myanmar nationals for working beyond their permitted scope, 2 Myanmar nationals for failing to produce valid work permits, and 3 for illegal entry – comprising 2 Myanmar nationals and 1 Pakayaw individual.
