MAE SARIANG — Thai authorities arrested eight undocumented migrant workers and their employer during a raid on a construction site in Mae Sariang district in the northern province of Mae Hong Son, officials said.
The operation took place at about 11 am on Jan. 4, 2026, after local authorities received a tip-off that foreign workers were being employed illegally. District chief Worasaek Phanthong ordered security officials to inspect the site, officials said.
The inspection team, led by Weerawat Kitmanasap, head of security administration in Mae Sariang district, included members of the local volunteer defence corps, police officers from Mae Sariang police station and immigration officials.
Authorities found eight Myanmeses working at the site. Initial checks showed they did not have valid immigration documents or work permits. All eight workers were taken into custody, along with their Thai employer, officials said.
The workers were charged with entering and staying in the country without permission and working without a permit. Penalties include fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht and deportation to their country of origin.
The employer was charged with hiring foreign workers without valid work permits. Under Thai law, the offence carries fines of between 10,000 and 100,000 baht per illegal worker. Repeat offenders may face imprisonment and a ban on hiring migrant workers for three years, officials said.
Authorities said the operation was carried out in line with policies set by the Internal Security Operations Command and the Interior Ministry to regulate migrant labour and address security concerns in border areas.
