Immigration raids lead to 300 detained, fines over 250,000 baht

Immigration officers conducted coordinated raids on 30 locations, detaining nearly 300 foreign nationals suspected of various immigration violations. The operations led to fines totalling 250,000 baht, with offenders promptly handed over for legal proceedings.

This action took place yesterday, November 6, under the directive of Police General Kittirat Phanpet, who emphasised the urgent need to crack down on illegal activities by foreign nationals.

Police Major General Natthakorn Prappayont, head of Immigration Division 3, instructed his units to carry out a comprehensive sweep of construction worker accommodations across 25 provinces within their jurisdiction. These areas are known for housing large numbers of foreign nationals, some of whom are suspected of violating immigration laws.

The coordinated effort involved more than 250 immigration officers, supported by over 190 personnel from local police, administrative divisions, the Internal Security Operations Command, provincial labour departments, and employment offices, bringing the total number of officers to over 440. Together, they raided 30 targeted locations to enforce immigration laws.

In Samut Prakan province, police discovered over 2,000 foreign nationals residing in the targeted areas. Among these, 287 individuals were charged with offences under the Immigration Act. The arrested included 161 Myanmar nationals, 75 Cambodians, two Laotians, and 49 Thais.

Specific violations included illegal entry into the kingdom, with 193 cases noted. Seventeen individuals were found staying in the country beyond their permitted period, and seven were working without proper authorisation or in violation of their conditions, reported KhaoSod.

Additionally, 67 individuals failed to report their residence to relevant officials as required by law. Other minor violations accounted for five more cases, resulting in fines exceeding 250,000 baht (US$7,270). All detainees have been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

In related news, immigration police arrested three Vietnamese men this morning for illegally entering Thailand through a border checkpoint in the Isaan province of Nong Khai despite being blacklisted.

Officers from the Nong Khai Provincial Immigration Office came across a Facebook post by a Vietnamese man, later identified as 34 year old Phan Dinh Sy, who advertised a transport service for Vietnamese nationals wishing to enter Thailand illegally.