Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing a recent Crackdown involving the arrest of foreigners working illegally in Thailand. Quoting directly from a recent article in The Pattaya News, that is thepattayanews.com, the article is titled: Pattaya Police Crack Down on Illegal Foreign Workers Near Pattaya, Arrest Five Indian and Kazakhstani Men. Quoting directly: "In a continued effort to enhance safety and maintain confidence in Pattaya as a premier tourist destination, Police have arrested five foreign nationals for allegedly working without permission. The operation was led by the Transnational Crime Suppression Center at Pattaya City Police Station. It was conducted under the close supervision of Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongphan Wongsmanithes, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, together with Pol. Col. Wasurat Chaiyathiraphat, Deputy Commander, and Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station. The investigation team, consisting of Pol. Lt. Col. Arus Sabanon, Pol. Lt. Col. Suradet Imchai, and Pol. Lt. Col. Thanet Sanghiran, planned and executed the raid systematically. Acting on intelligence from an informant that a group of foreigners was using a rented house for unauthorized work, officers from Pattaya City Police, Pattaya Tourist Police, Pattaya Immigration, and Nong Prue Police Station conducted a joint inspection at a property in Village 9, Pong Subdistrict. Upon arrival, authorities identified themselves and search the premises. They found the five men actively using multiple computers and mobile phones in a manner consistent with employment. All five were detained for further questioning." For those who are interested in checking that out further, please feel free to go to The Pattaya News, that is thepattayanews.com.

But yeah, I think this is important to just keep people in mind to the fact that yeah, working illegally in Thailand can get you into some problems and clearly somebody informed to the police that these folks seem to be working from wherever it was they were at, and then the Police showed up and as noted in the article, saw various accoutrement or indicia if you will of working, and they took these people into detention; they were arrested. My presumption is if it's determined that they were in fact working illegally they will very likely be fined and probably deported, and possibly blacklisted actually, and depending on the actual circumstances in the case and the various laws and rules to be applied, that Blacklist could last for a very long time; again depends on the underlying facts of the case. 

But the thing need to take away from this video is yes Thai Law Enforcement continues to be assiduous and proactive in going after folks who are working illegally in Thailand. If you are looking to work in Thailand, it is a very good idea to get your work authorization in order before coming here and engaging in employment activities. Even if you think you are flying under the radar, clearly law enforcement has their ways of finding things out and if you are found to be working illegally in Thailand, you could be subject to deportation and blacklisting from the country and that means never being able to return. So something to think about with respect to these things.

For those who feel a bit overwhelmed by the issue of work authorization in Thailand, it may not be a terrible idea to contact a legal professional, gain some insight and guidance into how best to proceed.