The meeting, chaired by Maj Gen Setthasan Sirisophon, Deputy Director of the Security Operations Center 2 under the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), was held at Phuket Provincial Hall on Thursday (Feb 19).
In attendance were Rear Admiral Praphan Srisuwipha, Deputy Director of ISOC Phuket (Army); Col Panthep Pakdeepongsakorn, Director of the Operations Center 2, ISOC; Col Natthaporn Poonkham, Deputy Director of the Security Operations Center 2, ISOC; and Pol Col Phaskorn Sonthikul, Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, along with heads of relevant government departments.
The meeting focused on the ongoing issue of illegal foreign workers in Phuket and reviewed enforcement efforts by related agencies. Officials agreed on the need to integrate operations more closely in order to systematically address the problem, particularly in major tourist zones.
Agencies reporting to the meeting included the Phuket Provincial Internal Security Operations Command, Phuket Provincial Administration, Phuket Provincial Police, Phuket Immigration Office, Phuket Provincial Labour Office, Phuket Provincial Employment Office, Phuket Provincial Labour Protection and Welfare Office, Phuket Provincial Public Health Office and the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office.
Officials outlined current operations, obstacles encountered in the field and proposals to improve coordination. Discussions centred on operational guidelines before and during inspections, with particular emphasis on regulating worker accommodation, verifying employment documents, intercepting illegal workers and improving information-sharing between agencies, said an official report of the meeting.
An analysis of high-risk areas identified several subdistricts in Phuket where hidden foreign worker problems were reported.
In Ratsada, authorities noted concerns over the subletting of accommodation on state land. In Chalong, described as a major construction zone, officials reported cases of foreign workers illegally changing employers. Karon and beach areas in key tourist destinations were also flagged due to high demand for labour in the service sector.
According to the meeting, some areas have seen foreign workers competing with Thai nationals for jobs and using Thai nominees to operate businesses.
Officials concluded that the problem in Phuket has shifted from purely illegal immigration to more complex issues, including infiltration onto state land and employment in occupations reserved for Thai citizens under Thai law.
Maj Gen Setthasan stressed the need for proactive and continuous enforcement, calling on all agencies to integrate their efforts and expedite inspections in high-risk areas.
Strict legal action must be taken where offences are found, he said, in order to maintain security, public order and the long-term image of Phuket as a safe and reputable tourist destination.