Phuket screens 2,000 foreign workers, finds 39 violations in island-wide crackdown
Phuket authorities screened more than 2,000 people on the first day of an island-wide labor and immigration crackdown, recording 39 violations and expanding raids to markets, beaches and construction sites.
Authorities in Phuket screened more than 2,000 people on the first day of a province-wide crackdown on illegal immigration and unauthorized employment, finding 39 violations, officials said.
The operation, described by officials as an “X-ray” of Phuket, is being led by Deputy Governor Khetarat Chansilp, Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, and Internal Security Operations Command Phuket Deputy Director Rear Adm. Praphan Srivipa.
Officials said the campaign aims to dismantle illegal labor networks, eliminate nominee businesses and protect jobs reserved for Thai nationals.
The inspections followed public complaints and included visits to Malin Plaza, SB Night Market and Patong Beach, where locals had alleged that foreign nationals resembling South Asian workers were openly selling goods. Authorities said surprise checks found shuttered stalls and absent vendors, while most sellers who remained were identified as Thai. Non-Thai workers found in violation were detained and prosecuted, officials said.
The crackdown also targeted construction sites. On June 23, authorities raided a project in Chalong and arrested 18 Chinese nationals and four Myanmar workers. Investigators said they observed Chinese engineers supervising projects and imported materials dominating the site, prompting concerns over what officials called “Coin Center Construction” — projects allegedly operated almost entirely with Chinese labor and resources and suspected nominee arrangements.
Khetarat said the campaign forms part of the “Phuket Model,” a province-wide effort to enforce labor and immigration laws. He said authorities would inspect every district and police jurisdiction in an effort to stop illegal practices and protect Thai livelihoods.
Sinlert said Phuket has about 140,000 migrant workers and that more than 2,000 foreigners have been arrested since October 2025 for offenses including illegal employment, drug-related crimes and traffic violations. He said enforcement would continue daily rather than as a one-time operation, and added that migrant workers holding proper permits and complying with permit conditions were not at risk.
Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activity and said investigations and enforcement would continue.
