Thai authorities conducted a raid on an entertainment venue exclusively catering to Myanmar nationals in Mahachai, Samut Sakhon province, where they discovered illegal operations along with weapons and drugs, according to Thai media reports. The operation took place on the morning of April 28, when a joint task force of over 200 officials from various Thai government agencies stormed the premises. The entertainment complex included bars, restaurants, karaoke rooms, and billiard tables.
The raid was initiated following a tip-off from a Myanmar national, and it has been clarified that Myanmar citizens are not permitted to operate such entertainment establishments in Thailand without proper legal authorization. There has been an increasing crackdown on Myanmar-operated businesses in Thailand. Frequent arrests have been made targeting Myanmar nationals involved in various business activities, including online selling, small shop operations, and real estate brokerage services. The situation reflects the growing scrutiny of Myanmar business operations in Thailand.
According to a Myanmar businessman operating a money exchange and travel agency in Bangkok, there are two main reasons for these arrests. The first is due to direct complaints, and the second stems from business owners boasting about their success on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. He further explained that some Thai nationals have expressed dissatisfaction with the success of Myanmar-operated businesses during Thailand’s economic downturn. The situation has become particularly sensitive as Myanmar entrepreneurs showcase their business achievements on social media platforms, leading to increased attention from authorities and local communities.
