PHUKET, Thailand – Authorities raided a luxury construction project in Phuket on June 18, arresting 16 Chinese nationals accused of working as engineers and site supervisors using improper visas, along with 62 Myanmar workers who allegedly could not provide documentation proving legal entry into Thailand. The operation was launched after local residents reported suspicious activity at a construction site in the Cherng Talay area, where Chinese nationals were allegedly overseeing the project while the majority of laborers were foreign workers.
Officers from the Southern Border Threat Suppression Command, supported by military police, army personnel, and other agencies, conducted an inspection of the development at around 10 a.m. During the raid, authorities found multiple alleged violations of Thai immigration and labor laws. Sixteen Chinese nationals were detained on accusations of working under visa categories that did not permit the activities they were performing, including engineering and construction supervision roles.
Officials also arrested 62 Myanmar nationals who were unable to produce evidence showing lawful entry into the Kingdom. All suspects were taken into custody and transferred to investigators at Cherng Talay Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities said case files will be forwarded to the Phuket Provincial Court, while the Myanmar workers will be handed over to immigration officials for deportation procedures once legal action is completed.
Investigators are also expanding the probe to examine the project’s ownership structure and determine whether foreign nominee arrangements or other violations of Thai business laws may be involved. The raid forms part of a wider government campaign targeting illegal foreign employment, visa abuse, and the suspected use of nominee companies in Thailand’s property and construction sectors.
