PATTAYA — Police arrested three Chinese nationals for working without permits during a raid on a Chinese real estate company in Pattaya on Monday.
Officers from Regional Police Investigation Division 2 conducted a search of the building belonging to a Chinese real estate company in Nong Prue Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province on May 26. They found several Chinese and Thai employees working inside the building – 16 Chinese nationals and approximately 30 Chinese customers waiting for services.
From preliminary questioning, the building manager claimed it was an office providing advisory services for buying and selling houses, land, and condominiums in Pattaya to Chinese clients. The company acts as an intermediary in real estate transactions. Officers are investigating whether this constitutes any legal violations.
Subsequently, police inspection revealed that 3 Chinese nationals (2 men, 1 woman) out of the total 16 did not have work permits in Thailand. They will face legal action for working without authorization.
Meanwhile, officers have summoned Mr. Kham, age 40, from Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai Province, one of the company’s shareholders, for additional questioning to investigate deeper connections and proceed with legal procedures.
Previously, Prachachat Business, Thailand’s business media, reported survey results from Colliers Thailand indicating that the earthquake in Myanmar in late March became a positive factor for Pattaya real estate, which lies outside the earthquake impact zone, attracting more investors.
Watthanapol Polcheewin, President of the Chonburi Real Estate Association, revealed that the aftermath of Trump’s tariffs and trade wars has led to a significant influx of foreign investors, particularly from China, purchasing land to build factories in industrial estates in Chonburi and Rayong provinces from mid-2024 to present.
“Condominium and housing projects in Pattaya have seen foreign buying demand surge dramatically by 20% compared to 2024, as foreigners can legally purchase condominiums up to 49% ownership under Thai law. They buy for residential use as second homes while working in Thailand. They typically purchase properties priced between 2-4 million baht in North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, and South Pattaya locations,” he said.
The Thai government is working to balance encouraging Chinese tourism and investment while ensuring business legal compliance, following public backlash against the surge of illegal Chinese enterprises.
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