Pattaya City-Thailand Focus on Illegal Immigrant Crackdown

12/02/2010

A meeting has been held at the Chon-Buri Immigration offices to discuss the ever increasing problem of illegal immigrant workers and beggars in Thailand, specifically on the streets of Pattaya.

Chon-Buri, the 11^th of February 2010 [PDN]: Police Colonel Atisawit Kamonrat (Chon-Buri Immigration Commissioner) chaired the meeting at Chon-Buri’s Immigration Offices where the issue of illegal immigrants was discussed. In conjunction with Mr. Chanyut Hengtrakul (Former Chon-Buri Congress Member), Col. Kamonrat explained to the officers and administrators present, that a taskforce was being organised to sweep the Pattaya City area for illegal immigrant workers and beggars. Also discussed was the issue of fugitive foreigners hiding in Pattaya and Chon-Buri to avoid arrest by their home nations and those that have overstayed, invalid or non-existent visas.

Police Col. Kamonrat explained to the delegation that the problem of illegal immigrants coming into Thailand – primarily from the border nations of Burma, Laos and Cambodia – was escalating. As such, a joint police taskforce was in the process of being organised to combat the problem in Pattaya City and the Chon-Buri province entirely. Further to the investigations that will commence in Chon-Buri, the Thai government will also stage a press conference on the 14^th of February to announce a crackdown nationwide in relation to the aforementioned issue. It is believed the Vice Prime Minister; Major General Sanan Khajonprasat will stage the announcement.

In conclusion, police Col. Kamonrat announced that the taskforce would begin their investigations on the 15^th of February, targeting street beggars, vendors and construction workers throughout Pattaya City. A separate investigation will be undertaken to sweep for foreigners who may be ‘blacklisted’ fugitives, criminals or those that have overstayed or do not possess a valid visa. The taskforce will target various renowned serviced apartments, guest houses, rental rooms and condominium developments in the Pattaya City region.

News : Yanwarrut
Photo : Yanwarrut