Phuket crackdown: Officials fish for illegal workers, net nothing
In a rigorous two-day operation, Phuket officials targeted communities and camps housing Myanmar workers, aiming to clamp down on illegal immigration and unlawful activities. Despite the intense scrutiny, not a single infraction was found.
Phuket officials, including immigration personnel, focused their efforts on a community in front of the bustling Phuket Fishing Pier on Sri Suthat Road.
Situated opposite the Soi King Kaew slum on Koh Siray, all Myanmar workers there were found to have valid work permits, resulting in no arrests.
The following inspections were spearheaded by the Thalang District Office, targeting migrant worker camps in Moo 2 and Moo 6, Thepkrasattri. District Chief Siwat Rawangkun, along with Deputy Chief Wisut Romin, led the operation. Housing around 150 workers, mainly in construction, the camps were put under the microscope.
Workers underwent urine tests for drugs and health screenings. Their work permits and passports were scrutinised, yet no illegal activities surfaced.
Though no laws were broken, officials ensured recommendations were provided to maintain proper building conditions, security, hygiene, and adherence to labour guidelines. Local village headmen have been instructed to supervise the camps closely, reported Phuket News.
While the operation yielded no immediate arrests, the inspections reinforced the commitment to regular checks. Whether such actions will continue remains unreported, but for now, the Myanmar workforce in Phuket stands compliant.
Last month, Thailand’s national police chief directed a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants, resulting in nearly 10,000 arrests. Police in Surin swooped on a building used for forging Chinese passports to evade immigration checks.
On February 26, Police Lieutenant General Achayon Kraithong, a spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, stated that under the policy of Police General Kittirat Phanphat, the national police chief, an operation was ordered by the Centre for Suppression of Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration.
The operation resulted in 9,532 arrests across the country. Among these, 207 were apprehended under arrest warrants, 6,239 for illegal entry, 875 for overstaying visas, 120 had their permits revoked, 463 were working illegally, and 1,628 were detained for other offences.
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