CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – A young man from Myanmar who had sought a better future in Thailand saw his hopes cut short when a labour law violation led to his arrest.
Raid on coconut vendor
Investigators from the Immigration Police carried out a raid in the San Phi Suea district after receiving a tip-off about foreigners allegedly working without proper documents. Officers inspected a local coconut business where they encountered a man from neighbouring Myanmar behind the counter.
According to the report, he had not anticipated that his work that day would have serious consequences. The inspection focused on whether his documents matched the job he was performing.
Prohibited front-line job
A review of his papers revealed that he did hold a valid work permit, but only for heavy manual labour as a general helper. This did not cover his current activity at the small shop.
Instead of doing physically demanding back-room work, he was serving customers and selling fresh coconuts at the counter. In Thailand, this type of in-store retail sale is strictly forbidden for foreigners and is reserved for Thai nationals.
Arrest after just four weeks
The arrested man had been working at the coconut shop for about a month. He reportedly admitted to officers on the spot that he had changed workplaces.
The law allowed no leniency in this case of an unapproved job change. Officers placed him in handcuffs at the scene and took him into custody.
Heavy penalties likely
Police transported the detainee to the Mae Ping police station, where he awaited legal proceedings for violating Thailand’s strict employment conditions for foreigners. Authorities indicated that financial penalties were likely.
In addition to potentially substantial fines, he also faced probable deportation to Myanmar. His attempt to build a new life in Thailand was, for the time being, considered to have failed.
Authorities target illegal labour
The leadership of the Chiang Mai Immigration Police announced that more inspections would follow. Their stated aim was to ensure foreigners did not take on jobs that are reserved for Thai citizens.
Businesses suspected of using foreign workers to circumvent Thai labour law for cheaper labour were described as being under particular scrutiny. Officials said the campaign against unlawful employment relationships would continue with full force.