Immigration Bureau Investigates Rayong Entertainment Venues Following Allegations of Bribery
Thai immigration authorities are investigating four entertainment venues in Rayong after over 100 Chinese nationals were found on-site, with some alleging payments were made to officials.
On October 17, 2026, the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, Police Lieutenant General Nopsin Poonsawat, ordered an urgent investigation into four entertainment venues located in Rayong province. The directive follows the discovery of more than 100 Chinese nationals at these locations during recent inspections.
Authorities are currently verifying the immigration status of these individuals, including their visa types and authorized duration of stay, to determine if any violations of the Immigration Act or other relevant laws have occurred. Additionally, the investigation is addressing serious allegations that some of these individuals claimed to have made payments to government officials to operate or remain in the country.
For residents and travelers, this situation highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to enforce immigration compliance in nightlife sectors. The Bureau has pledged that the investigation will be conducted transparently and fairly, with a promise of strict disciplinary and criminal action against any officials found to be involved in corruption. Preliminary findings also identified several other foreign nationals, including three from Laos, six from Myanmar, and stateless individuals, who are also under scrutiny. As the investigation is ongoing, the full extent of the alleged bribery and the specific legal status of all individuals involved remain to be confirmed by the joint committee established by the Immigration Bureau.
