The man, named by Phuket Immigration only as ‘Mr Abraham’, 34, was arrested at Hana Barber Shop on Phra Metta Rd at about 8:30pm last night (Jan 12), following a tip-off that a foreigner was operating the business and cutting customers’ hair.
Phuket Immigration Police reported that officers moved in after coordinating with the Phuket Provincial Employment Office and Patong Police, and found the suspect actively cutting the hair of a foreign customer at the premises.
Mr Abraham admitted during questioning that he has been living in Phuket for about 10 years and had been operating and working as a barber for about two years, officers said.
He was informed of his rights and charged under Section 8 of the Foreign Workers Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and its amendments, for working outside the scope of his permitted occupation, specifically haircutting, which is legally restricted to Thai nationals.
Immigration officers escorted the suspect to the Phuket Provincial Employment Office to complete the arrest documentation before transferring him to Patong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Phuket Immigration Chief Pol Col Khemachat Wattananapakasem said the arrest formed part of ongoing efforts to strictly enforce labour and immigration laws in Phuket.
Phuket Immigration Police will continue to intensify screening and inspections to prevent foreigners from illegally working and displacing Thai workers, as well as to suppress criminal networks and other unlawful activities, he said.
Pol Col Khemachat added that the measures are intended to strengthen public confidence in safety and security for both Thai residents and foreign tourists who enter Phuket legally.