An officer speaks with a street vendor Thursday in Bangkok’s Nana area.
Yesterday, a total of 16 migrant workers were apprehended near Bangkok's Asoke intersection on suspicion of violating immigration laws. The announcement came this Friday morning from Lt. Gen. Pakpoompipat Sajjapan, the commander of the immigration police, who revealed that approximately 50 immigration officers carried out a sweep in the area. The operation specifically targeted street vendors operating between the Nana and Asoke areas. The crackdown was prompted by complaints received regarding the alleged competition these vendors posed to Thai business operators.
Of the 16 individuals arrested, nine were from Myanmar, two from Cambodia, one from Laos, one from Vietnam, and one person was found to be undocumented. Furthermore, two Thai employers who were accused of unlawfully employing these foreign nationals were also taken into custody. This comprehensive operation resulted in a total of 16 suspects being apprehended.
Of the 16 individuals arrested, nine were from Myanmar, two from Cambodia, one from Laos, one from Vietnam, and one person was found to be undocumented. Furthermore, two Thai employers who were accused of unlawfully employing these foreign nationals were also taken into custody. This comprehensive operation resulted in a total of 16 suspects being apprehended.
The majority of those arrested were engaged in the sale of food and clothing from mobile carts and temporary stalls. While some attempted to evade capture, the authorities successfully closed off certain lanes to ensure their apprehension. Upon inspection, it was discovered that some of the individuals lacked passports and work permits, while others possessed expired travel documents. In certain cases, individuals had been granted temporary exemptions for tourism purposes.
According to the police, the act of selling goods on the street is deemed illegal for foreign nationals due to its perceived threat to public peace, safety, and the overall well-being of individuals and their properties. Moreover, such activities are believed to tarnish the country's image.
The police initiated this operation in response to various complaints, including those received through social media platforms. These reports indicated that unlicensed foreign vendors were engaging in unfair competition with Thai drink and food vendors, particularly in prominent business areas.
According to the police, the act of selling goods on the street is deemed illegal for foreign nationals due to its perceived threat to public peace, safety, and the overall well-being of individuals and their properties. Moreover, such activities are believed to tarnish the country's image.
The police initiated this operation in response to various complaints, including those received through social media platforms. These reports indicated that unlicensed foreign vendors were engaging in unfair competition with Thai drink and food vendors, particularly in prominent business areas.
