Songkhla police arrest illegal workers in Koh Pha Ngan crackdown

Police in Songkhla launched an operation targeting illegal foreign workers, arresting six Myanmar nationals and one Thai employer for working outside their permitted rights in Koh Pha Ngan. This action follows complaints from local leaders and residents.

The operation was ordered by Sak Sira, the Commissioner of Tourist Police, and executed by Winich Boonchit, a senior officer in the Tourist Police Division. They worked in coordination with Noppadon Khaomali, the district chief of Koh Pha Ngan, and the local police and immigration officers.

Following complaints from local community leaders and residents, the Tourist Police investigated the activities of foreign workers in Koh Pha Ngan, focusing on those involved in trade. This led to the arrest of seven individuals: six Myanmar nationals and one Thai employer.

The arrested individuals include 37 year old Htay Hla, a Myanmar national selling rice and curry by the roadside in Moo 4, Koh Pha Ngan, 44 year old San Myint, a Burmese running a grocery store in Moo 4, and 43 year old Janjamfa Saengarun, a Thai national, charged with employing foreign workers beyond their permitted rights.

Others arrested were 40 year old Khin Myo Sat, a Myanmar national selling goods from a vehicle in Moo 3, 35 year old Than Than Aung, a Burmese individual running a tea shop in Moo 5, 47 year old Aye Aye Aung, a Myanmar national operating a store in Moo 5, and 19 year old Wai Yan Soe, a Burmese without a passport, who illegally entered Thailand through Ranong province, revealed Sak.

“The Tourist Police are strictly monitoring the behaviour of foreign nationals and migrant workers who are taking jobs from Thai people.”

The police are also cracking down on illegal activities in 10 prohibited categories within designated tourism areas to prevent tourists from disguising themselves as workers.

“This operation aims to ensure that foreign workers and tourists do not engage in unauthorised work that affects local employment.”

The arrests were part of a broader effort to enforce regulations on foreign labour and protect local job markets. Police are determined to maintain strict control over the activities of foreign nationals in key tourism areas, ensuring they comply with Thai laws and regulations, reported KhaoSod.