PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities detained 37 foreign nationals in a large-scale immigration raid on an eight-storey apartment building in the coastal city.
Coordinated operation in central Pattaya condo
The operation took place at a condominium on Soi Pattaya Sai 2, a side street in the internationally known resort town. Officials said they acted after receiving reports from concerned residents who alleged the building was being used as a hideout for foreign workers without valid documents. According to investigators, the foreigners were suspected of staying in the country illegally and engaging in prohibited activities.
Joint taskforce targets immigration offences
The raid was led by Pol. Col. Naphatphong Khosit Suriyamanee, head of the Immigration Office Chonburi, and Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, chief of Pattaya City Police Station. Officers from Chonburi Immigration Police, Pattaya City Police and Pattaya Tourist Police took part in the operation. Authorities said they searched specific apartments identified as suspicious in what they described as a coordinated measure under a longer-term crackdown on illegal entry, visa overstays and unauthorised employment.
Breakdown of 37 arrests and alleged violations
During the search, officers arrested a total of 37 people on immigration-related allegations. According to officials, those detained included two nationals from Myanmar accused of entering the country illegally and two people with overstayed visas, a Chinese man and an Uzbek woman. In addition, seven Indian nationals were suspected of working without valid permits, while 20 other foreign residents allegedly failed to register their address as required under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979).
Legal consequences: deportation and fines
All detainees were taken to Pattaya City Police Station for further processing and the initiation of legal proceedings. Immigration authorities stated that illegal entry, unauthorised work and visa overstays generally carried the risk of deportation and further immigration measures. Violations of address reporting obligations were punishable by fines.
Ongoing campaign to enforce immigration law
A spokesperson for the Immigration Office Chonburi said the raid formed part of a continuing campaign to enforce immigration regulations in the province.
“Such inspections will continue in order to ensure compliance with legal provisions and to maintain public order in the popular tourist destination of Pattaya.”
said the Immigration Office Chonburi spokesperson. Officials stressed that coastal cities in the region regularly saw targeted actions against breaches of residence and labour rules.
Intensified checks on housing and documents
According to the immigration authority, similar searches of accommodation and checks of identification documents in Chonburi Province were expected to be stepped up. Foreigners without a correct residence status or without proper registration of their address were warned to expect strict controls and sanctions. Authorities said the overall aim was to ensure lawful migration and curb illegal employment in the area.