SRI RACHA, Thailand – Authorities in Chonburi have launched inspections in Bowin after public complaints and media reports led to the discovery of 12 Chinese nationals allegedly working illegally at factories and businesses in the area. Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong ordered relevant agencies to investigate following reports of foreign workers allegedly employed without proper permission in industrial and commercial areas of Bowin, Sri Racha district. The operation was carried out by the Chonburi Provincial Employment Office together with the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Chonburi, provincial labor officials, administrative officers, and Bowin Police.
Officials inspected a factory construction site in Khao Khan Song subdistrict and several businesses in Bowin. A total of 12 Chinese nationals, including 11 men and one woman, were found allegedly violating foreign worker regulations. At the factory construction site, authorities found 20 Myanmar workers who were legally employed. Among the Chinese workers present, three had valid work authorization, while five were allegedly working without permits or performing jobs outside their approved conditions. Further inspections at four businesses in Bowin uncovered additional Chinese nationals allegedly working illegally. The locations included restaurants, a mala hotpot business, a food shop, and a massage and wellness establishment.
Authorities said other foreign workers found during the inspections, including Myanmar employees at some businesses, were working legally. The 12 Chinese nationals were taken to Bowin Police Station for further legal proceedings on charges of working without permission or working beyond the scope allowed under Thailand’s foreign employment regulations. Officials said enforcement against illegal foreign labor will continue, with employers who hire foreign workers without proper authorization also facing legal action.
