Thai group stranded in China after Chiang Mai company deception
A group of Thai nationals, duped by a company in Chiang Mai into selling goods in China, is desperate for help after running into legal and financial trouble.
The group, consisting of over 80 individuals, is now stranded in China, facing dwindling funds, visa expiry, and the risk of becoming illegal immigrants. The group was lured to China by a company based in Chiang Mai with the promise of a lucrative food selling business that could earn them approximately 20,000 baht per day.
The company assured them of handling all aspects related to visas, accommodation, and raw material for food. However, they were asked to initially pay around 30,000 baht each. Despite these assurances, the group was issued visas with a validity of only three months, although their work contracts were for a year, reported KhaoSod.
A man from Chiang Mai, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared that they resided in cramped conditions, six people to a room. As they began working, they encountered sales problems and their daily earnings plummeted from thousands to hundreds of baht. Some days, they made no sales at all. The primary issue now is their inability to extend their visas, which are due to expire within three months, leaving them as illegal immigrants in China. The company representative has returned to Thailand and has been unable to provide any assistance.
Currently, about 25 people are stranded, essentially illegal immigrants in a foreign country. Another Thai national in the group stated:
“We are in dire straits. We are about to be homeless because we have no money for rent. Four of our Thai friends have already gone to live outside because they had no money. If we don’t receive help, we will suffer the same fate. We won’t have food because our money is about to run out.
“We sought help from the Thai embassy but received no response. We are struggling on our own. The company has disappeared without providing any help. We are adrift. All we want now is to return home. We plead for help.”
