BANGKOK — Immigration authorities have apprehended seven Myanmar nationals working illegally at food establishments—five in Bangkok and two in Chiang Mai.

Officers from Immigration Division 1 conducting the May 17 inspection noted Chinese signage in the trendy Nineyard Market near Bangkok’s Royal City Avenue (RCA), initially raising concerns about possible Chinese ownership or involvement. Upon presenting their official credentials, authorities proceeded with their inspection but found no Chinese nationals present.

Instead, they discovered five male Myanmar citizens working without proper documentation. All five had allegedly entered Thailand illegally with the intention of seeking employment. They now face charges of being foreign nationals who entered and remained in the Kingdom without legal authorization and working without a valid work permit. The suspects have been transferred to investigating officers for further legal proceedings.

Authorities confirmed they are expanding their investigation to pursue charges against the business owner for employing undocumented foreign workers, which violates Thai labor laws.

Pol. Col. Suriya Puangsombat, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Division 1, told reporters that his division maintains a regular inspection schedule covering high-risk areas throughout Bangkok. He encouraged citizens to report suspicious immigration-related activities via the Immigration Bureau hotline at 1178.

Earlier on May 15, Immigration Division 5 arrested two Myanmar nationals working illegally at a restaurant in Fa Ham subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Mai province.

According to officials, both suspects confessed they possessed valid work permits with their original Thai employers. However, when their previous employers had no work for them, they secretly took jobs as assistant chefs at the restaurant approximately five months ago. Each received a monthly salary of 13,000 baht. (approximately $390).

The suspects failed to notify authorities about their change of employer and workplace as required by law. Immigration officers transferred the suspects to Mae Ping Police Station for legal proceedings. They face charges of “being foreign nationals who received work authorization but failed to notify the registrar about their employer, workplace, and job description within fifteen days from the date of employment.

The two operations stem from directives issued by Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyaluck, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, who has ordered intensified enforcement against immigration violations nationwide.