78 Foreign Workers Arrested at Phuket Luxury Villa Construction Site

Authorities in Phuket arrested 78 foreign nationals during a raid on a luxury villa construction site in Cherng Talay after receiving reports of suspected illegal employment.

The operation was launched at around 10:00 a.m. by the Security Threat Suppression Command, with support from the 41st Military Police Battalion, the 1st Infantry Battalion of the 15th Infantry Regiment, and other government agencies. Officials acted on information from local residents alleging that Chinese nationals were working as engineers and site supervisors while most construction laborers were migrant workers from Myanmar.

During the inspection, officers found 16 Chinese nationals allegedly working in supervisory and engineering roles while holding tourist visas, which do not permit employment under Thai law.

Authorities also detained 62 Myanmar nationals who were unable to produce documents confirming their legal entry into Thailand.

All 78 suspects were taken to Cherng Talay Police Station for legal proceedings. The Chinese nationals are accused of working without the appropriate visa status, while the Myanmar workers face charges of illegal entry. After court proceedings are completed, immigration authorities are expected to deport those found guilty of immigration violations.