57 Laotians and Vietnamese Arrested in Bangkok Karaoke Bar Raids
Bangkok — A joint operation led by Immigration authorities on March 25 resulted in the arrest of 57 foreign nationals working illegally in karaoke bars across Bangkok. The coordinated raids targeted 10 karaoke establishments, leading to the apprehension of 53 Laotians, 4 Vietnamese, and a Thai employer.
Raid Details
The operation, which involved more than 40 immigration officers, focused on areas known for budget-friendly karaoke bars, including:
- Klongtoei
- Romklao
- Thonburi
Immigration Bureau 1 Commander Police Major General Prasart Khemaprasit led the crackdown, with the raids conducted late on Tuesday night. Among the venues raided was Home Karaoke, a women-only lounge where male waiters entertained female customers. Many of the establishments were described as small, dimly lit, and some had private VIP rooms.
Charges and Violations
The suspects were arrested for various offenses, including:
- Working without permits
- Visa overstays
- Illegal entry
Out of the 57 individuals:
- 51 had entered Thailand legally with 60-day visa exemptions but failed to secure work permits.
- Two Laotians had overstayed their visas.
- Five individuals had no passport documentation at all.
The Thai employer was charged with hiring foreign workers without work permits, and the Immigration Bureau has filed appropriate charges against all suspects involved.
This operation is part of a broader effort by Immigration Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak to target illegal foreign workers and visa overstayers throughout Thailand.
