Thailand Arrests 12 Illegal Foreign Workers at Chonburi Construction Sites
Thai authorities arrested 12 Chinese nationals for illegal work at construction sites in Chonburi's Si Racha District on July 15, with eight lacking permits and four exceeding their authorized scope. Employers face fines up to 100,000 baht
The Department of Employment arrested 12 Chinese nationals on July 15 for working illegally at construction sites in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, according to department director Somchai Mrokatsriwan. Officers from the Department of Employment coordinated with local labor, security, and police officials to inspect five worksites in Khao Khanthoung and Bo Win subdistricts. Of those arrested, eight were working without permits and four were performing duties outside their authorized scope.
An employer was also charged for hiring the undocumented workers. Somchai warned that foreign workers must obtain valid work permits; violations carry fines of 5,000–50,000 baht and deportation, plus a two-year ban on reapplying for permits. Employers face penalties of 10,000–100,000 baht per worker, and repeat offenders may face up to one year in jail or fines of 50,000–200,000 baht per person, plus a three-year ban on hiring foreign labor. Members of the public can report suspected illegal employment to the Department of Employment hotline at 1506 or local employment offices.
