A joint task force led by Thai immigration authorities carried out a major enforcement operation in Pattaya, resulting in the detention of 37 foreign nationals found to be in violation of Thailand’s immigration laws. The large-scale raid targeted an eight-story condominium located in Soi Pattaya Sai 2, an area popular with both tourists and long-term foreign residents.
The operation was led by Pol. Col. Naphatphong Khosit Suriyamanee, Superintendent of the Chonburi Immigration Office, together with Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Chief of Pattaya City Police Station. Officers from the Chonburi Immigration Police, Pattaya City Police, and Pattaya Tourist Police were deployed as part of the coordinated task force.
Authorities said the raid followed multiple reports from concerned citizens who suspected that the condominium was being used as a hideout for undocumented foreign nationals. Intelligence indicated that many individuals living in the building had entered Thailand illegally or were staying and working without proper authorization. Based on this information, officers obtained approval to conduct a thorough inspection of the premises.
During the search, officers checked several rooms deemed suspicious and verified the immigration status of occupants. The operation led to the detention of 37 individuals from various nationalities who were found to be in breach of immigration regulations. According to officials, those detained included two Myanmar nationals who had illegally entered Thailand without passing through official border checkpoints. Two individuals were arrested for visa overstay, comprising one Chinese male and one Uzbek female.
In addition, seven Indian nationals were taken into custody for working in Thailand without valid work permits, a violation of labor and immigration laws. The remaining 20 individuals were charged with failing to notify authorities of their place of residence, as required under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Thai law mandates that foreign nationals must report their address to immigration authorities within a specified timeframe, a requirement often overlooked by long-term visitors and informal workers.
All 37 suspects were transferred to Pattaya City Police Station, where investigators began formal legal proceedings. Immigration officials confirmed that those facing serious offenses, such as illegal entry, unauthorized employment, and visa overstay, will be subject to deportation and possible blacklisting from re-entering Thailand. Individuals charged with failing to report their residence will face fines in accordance with the law.
The Chonburi Immigration Office stated that this operation is part of an ongoing campaign to crack down on illegal immigration, unlawful employment, and related offenses in Pattaya, one of Thailand’s busiest tourist destinations. Authorities emphasized that similar enforcement actions will continue across the province to ensure compliance with immigration regulations, maintain public order, and protect lawful residents and businesses.
Officials also urged foreign nationals living in Thailand to ensure their visas, work permits, and residence reporting are fully up to date to avoid legal consequences.
