Thai police investigate unlicensed Rayong venues and bribery claims
An inquiry will examine foreigners’ immigration status and allegations of payments to officials after inspections found over 100 Chinese nationals.
- Thailand's Immigration Bureau is investigating four unlicensed entertainment venues in Rayong after a raid found over 100 Chinese nationals and evidence of prostitution.
- A separate inquiry has been ordered to investigate allegations of bribery and improper involvement by officials connected to the venues.
- The investigation will focus on the immigration status, visas, and potential legal violations of the foreign nationals, with 10 women already detained for working without permits.
Thailand’s Immigration Bureau has ordered an urgent inquiry into four unlicensed entertainment venues in Rayong after Ministry of Interior inspections found more than 100 Chinese nationals at the premises and prostitution at two venues.
Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Nopasin Poolsawat announced on Saturday (October 17, 2026) that he had instructed Pol Maj Gen Songprod Sirisukha, commander of Immigration Division 3, to establish a committee with relevant agencies.
The inquiry will examine immigration status, visa categories, permitted periods of stay and possible breaches of the Immigration Act and other relevant laws.
He ordered strict and immediate legal action if offences were found.
Nopasin also ordered an investigation into allegations of payments to officials and improper official involvement for gain.
He stressed that the investigation must be thorough, transparent and fair, with disciplinary and criminal action if evidence establishes wrongdoing.
The bureau detained 10 foreign women involved in massage and service work, comprising three Lao nationals, six Myanmar nationals and one stateless woman.
They were charged with “working without a work permit or carrying out work they were not authorised to do”.
The bureau is tightening checks and monitoring potential offences by foreign nationals nationwide, while coordinating with relevant agencies to prevent Thailand from being used as a base for illegal activities, combat transnational crime and strengthen public and tourist confidence in safety.
Members of the public can report suspicious conduct by foreign nationals or misconduct by officials through the bureau’s 1178 hotline, which operates 24 hours a day.
