Chulaphan assigned Surachart to lead an inspection at a 1 billion baht construction site in Rayong Province, working with the DSI to check for illegal foreign workers. The investigation found most workers were Chinese and Myanmar nationals, with few Thais employed, and disclosed that Chinese nationals were supervising the work.
18 Sep 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Chulaphan Amornwiwat, Minister of Labour, assigned Mr. Surachart Thienthong, Secretary to the Minister of Labour, along with Mr. Phiphatchai Paiboon, political spokesman for the Ministry of Labour, and Mr. Phumipat Hosakul, a ministerial task force member, to visit Rayong Province to inspect the employment of foreign workers at a factory construction project owned by a foreign company. The project, currently under investigation and further review, is valued at over 1 billion baht and occupies more than 200 rai. Company representatives said this is their second factory after investing in Chonburi Province.
Meanwhile, Mr. Seksit Sawarayathipat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Employment and head of the Operations Center for Prevention and Suppression of Illegal Labour, led officers in a joint operation with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), led by Air Force Third Class Kittikom Kongsomphoch, Director of the Special Case Operations Center Area 2, and other relevant agencies to inspect the employment and work documentation of foreign workers within the project.
The inspection revealed two work areas: the office, with over 60 employees including more than 50 Chinese nationals and only 8 Thai employees; and the construction site, with over 200 workers mostly foreign nationals from China and Myanmar, and only 6 Thais who served mainly as site coordinators. Sources reported that the construction supervisors were Chinese nationals.
During the inspection, some workers fled the site, but officials managed to verify and detain 84 workers. Preliminary checks found 6 Chinese and 8 Myanmar nationals without valid work permits or proper work documents, leading to their detention for legal proceedings.
After the site visit, Mr. Surachart said some workers who fled left by the back exit, initially identified as Chinese nationals acting as supervisors or foremen. He instructed officials to continue tracking and ordered the company to present these individuals along with their documents for verification.
“If their documents are valid and their work lawful, there will be no issues. However, if violations are found, legal actions will be taken straightforwardly. Our goal is not to hinder foreign investment. Thailand welcomes investors, but investment and employment must comply with the law and importantly, consider job opportunities and rights for Thai workers,” he stated.
Mr. Phiphatchai noted that the labor composition at the site warrants serious government scrutiny, especially regarding the employment of Thai workers, foreign labor use, and whether foreign workers are occupying positions in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. “Foreign investment should benefit the economy and employment in Thailand. Discovering a large construction site with very few Thai workers and mostly foreign supervisors requires clear examination of the employment structure and compliance with all legal procedures,” he added.
Officials also received information concerning a subcontractor company that brought supervisors and workers into the project. Observations about this company's registration status prompted further fact-finding, including checking connections between operators and business practices involved.
The Department of Employment will continue examining the employment structure, proportions of Thai and foreign workers, work permits, and actual job functions. Meanwhile, the DSI will investigate details related to the project owner, main contractor, and subcontractors to assess possible legal violations or if the business operates as a shell company exploiting Thailand as an investment base primarily benefiting foreign interests. Further actions will follow according to their authority.
