Rayong data centre site raid nets 18 illegal Chinese workers

On August 19, police in Rayong conducted a raid at a data centre construction site, resulting in the arrest of 18 Chinese men working without the necessary permits. The operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on unlicensed foreign labor. Upon identifying themselves and requesting identification and work permits, the Chinese workers fled in different directions.

The officers pursued them and eventually detained 18 Chinese men. The investigation revealed that none of the men possessed valid work permits, as they had been employed at the site without the required documentation. They were charged under Section 8 of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment and were taken to Ban Chang Police Station for further legal proceedings.

This raid was part of a broader effort by the provincial police to monitor foreign labor, particularly in construction sites and businesses employing foreign workers, with the aim of preventing illegal employment. In another incident, Bangkok police arrested five Chinese nationals working illegally at a construction site in the Huai Khwang area.

The suspects had entered Thailand on tourist visas, which are not valid for employment. Upon questioning, it was discovered that each worker was earning 450 yuan per day, equivalent to approximately 2,200 baht, which significantly exceeded Thailand's minimum wage and the typical pay for legally employed construction workers.