Immigration Police Division 3's investigation team launched an operation arresting 17 illegal Chinese workers at a renowned electric vehicle parts factory in Chachoengsao Province. They had entered Thailand on Non-B visas but had not obtained permission from authorities. The investigation is ongoing.
On 10 Sept 2023 GMT+7, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak, Commander of Immigration Police, along with Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchnarat, Deputy Commander, ordered Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Police Division 3, Pol. Col. Chinawut Tangwonglert, Deputy Commander, Pol. Col. Prinya Klinkesorn, Deputy Commander, Pol. Col. Suriya Puangsombat, Chief of Investigation, Pol. Lt. Col. Pitipat Srithanaaphinan, Deputy Chief of Investigation, and Pol. Lt. Col. Jaturachok Phetkong, Investigator, to lead the operation.
They led forces to inspect workers inside a company operating an electric vehicle parts factory supplying a major EV manufacturer, located in Plaeng Yao District, Chachoengsao Province. They arrested Mr. Lai Baohong, 43, Chinese national, along with 16 other Chinese colleagues, after they were found working illegally.
Pol. Col. Suriya Puangsombat, Chief of Investigation, stated the arrests followed intelligence that the company was illegally employing foreigners. Upon inspection, a group of Chinese men were found diligently working inside the factory. When investigators requested to check documents and work permits, the Chinese workers scattered trying to flee, but police apprehended 17 individuals.
Interrogation revealed these Chinese workers had entered Thailand on Non-B visas but had not received official permission to work. They held various roles in the factory including management, machine installation and operation, electrical system installation, accounting, and construction. No valid work permits were found during the document check, leading to their arrest on the evening of 8 Sept.
The investigation team is expanding the probe to examine hiring channels, management structure, roles of company directors, decision-makers, employers, and related parties. They are urgently collecting employment contracts, payment records, travel data in and out of Thailand, and witness statements to determine if the company illegally employed foreign workers without permits or aided such violations. Anyone linked by evidence will face strict legal action without exception.
All suspects are charged with “being foreigners working without a work permit or working beyond their authorized rights” and have been handed over to the Plaeng Yao Police Station for prosecution under the law.