PHUKET – On May 29, 2024, Phuket Tourist Police arrested three foreigners for illegal work. They were caught installing Chinese cable TV on the roof of an apartment on Yaowarat Road in Phuket City.
The suspects were identified as Mr. Zhang, 49, a Chinese national on a tourist visa, Mr. Wang, 29, a Chinese national on a tourist visa, and Mr. Chit, 22, a Myanmar national on a tourist visa.
The police found evidence in the form of a notebook in Chinese that recorded their daily work schedule. They were charged with “unauthorized work as foreigners.”
This arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown by the tourist police on illegal activities by foreigners. The operation is in accordance with the orders of Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueakum, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, to strictly enforce laws relating to the employment of foreigners, including work bans and working outside permitted rights under the Alien Employment Administration Act 2017, as well as violations of the Immigration Act 1979 and other related laws.
The tourist police team carried out investigations in their area of responsibility and observed the suspects. They also took photos and videos before identifying themselves as police officers and making the arrests. The suspects were assisted by a Thai national named Sitthichai, who was responsible for their transportation to and from work.
Mr. Zhang, one of the suspects, confessed that they had been working for about two days and were paid around 40,000 baht per month. The salaries were transferred to them via WeChat from a company called Yong Thong based in Bangkok. They were taken to and from work every day by Mr. Sitthichai.