Immigration Chief Orders Probe of Rayong Venues Over 100 Chinese
Immigration Bureau Chief Pol Lt Gen Nopasin Poonsawat has ordered an urgent investigation into four entertainment venues in Rayong after over 100 Chinese nationals were found there. The probe will examine immigration status, visa types, and allegations of bribery to officials, with disciplinary and criminal action if wrongdoing is proven. Preliminary checks also identified Laotian, Myanmar and stateless women working without permits.
Pol Lt Gen Nopasin Poonsawat, commander of the Immigration Bureau, announced the probe on October 17, 2026, following checks that revealed more than 100 Chinese nationals at four venues in Rayong Province. He directed Pol Maj Gen Songproad Sirisukha of Immigration Division 3 to form a joint committee with relevant agencies to examine the foreigners’ immigration status, visa categories, permitted stay duration, and any possible violations of immigration law. The investigation will also look into claims that officials received money or were otherwise involved; if evidence substantiates the allegations, both disciplinary and criminal measures will be pursued, with emphasis on a thorough, transparent, and fair process.
Initial screening identified three Laotian women, six Myanmar nationals, and one stateless woman who were working without proper work permits, constituting violations of immigration regulations. The Immigration Bureau stressed its commitment to enforcing immigration laws, especially to prevent foreigners from using Thailand as a base for criminal activities, and to increase nationwide monitoring of foreign nationals.
To combat transnational crime and enhance safety for residents and tourists, the bureau urges the public to report suspicious foreign nationals or official misconduct via the Immigration Bureau hotline 1178, available 24 hours a day.
A related operation, "Singh Praab Hong Lap," inspected four KTV establishments in Rayong, exposing two venues allegedly involved in prostitution and operating without the required licenses.
