Chon Buri raids: 17 Lao women and 2 Thai employers arrested

Royal Thai Police in Chon Buri apprehended 17 Lao women and two Thai employers during raids on karaoke bars and restaurants in Laem Chabang early today.

Over 20 immigration officers targeted several entertainment venues in Si Racha’s tourist district around 1am, prompted by reports of illegal migrant workers.

Officers conducted thorough checks of workers’ passports, work permits, and other documents. Among the 17 Lao workers, 14 lacked work permits, two had entered Thailand illegally, and one failed to notify police about her workplace and job type within the required 15-day period.

Two Thai employers were detained and charged with hiring illegal migrants and providing shelter.

All detainees were transported to Laem Chabang Police Station. The migrant workers are set to be deported back to Laos, reported Bangkok Post.

The arrests followed directives from Immigration Bureau commissioner Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai, who instructed all immigration units and checkpoints nationwide to raid suspected venues and apprehend those entering the country illegally.

In related news, Immigration Bureau officers in Pattaya detained numerous undocumented workers from Laos and Vietnam following complaints from locals. The operation, conducted on June 24 at a market in Soi Phonprapanimit, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province, aimed to address concerns about foreign workers allegedly taking jobs from Thai citizens.

During the raid, officers discovered 38 individuals (25 men and 13 women) from Laos and Vietnam. Many of these workers lacked the necessary documentation, including passports and work permits.

Another Vietnamese worker claimed she was in Thailand as a tourist and was merely buying vegetables at the market. However, police detained her when she failed to produce her passport.

All detainees were transported to the Chon Buri Immigration Office. There, they faced charges for entering and staying in Thailand illegally and working without proper permits. The illegal workers received fines and will be deported back to their respective countries.