Myanmar Worker Arrested in Phuket for Allegedly Violating Work Permit Conditions

Police in Phuket have arrested a Myanmar national after discovering she was allegedly performing duties that were not permitted under the conditions of her work permit.

The woman was detained in Chalong on July 30 after officers received information that a migrant worker was working as a shop assistant at a grocery store, handling sales, receiving payments, and serving customers despite being authorised for a different occupation.

To verify the report, officers conducted a test purchase before entering the shop. During the inspection, they found the Myanmar woman actively assisting customers and selling products.

Police confirmed that she possessed a valid passport and work permit. However, the permit authorised her to work only as a labourer and did not allow her to perform retail duties such as operating the counter, accepting payments, or selling goods.

According to investigators, the woman admitted carrying out the work and said she was employed by a Thai business owner, who was not present when officers arrived.

She was charged with working outside the scope of her authorised employment under the conditions of her work permit.

Investigators also seized documents related to the employer as part of an inquiry into whether labour laws had also been violated by the business owner.

The suspect was taken to Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Thai labour regulations require foreign nationals to work only in the position and under the conditions specified in their work permit. Employers who assign duties beyond those approved may also face legal penalties. Retail work, in particular, must match the occupation registered with the Ministry of Labour.

The case follows another recent employment-related investigation in Phuket, in which police arrested a foreign national accused of operating an unlicensed motorcycle rental business targeting international tourists. The suspect denied the allegations and reportedly claimed that the business belonged to a friend.