Thai authorities have discovered 22 undocumented Chinese nationals hiding in a concealed room at a factory at an industrial estate in Rayong province.
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The raid took place at a manufacturing facility owned by Meitu Industry (Thailand) Co Ltd​​, located in the CPGC Industrial Estate in Map Kha sub-district of Nikhom Phatthana district in the eastern province.
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The group had reportedly entered Thailand on tourist visas but were found working illegally. When questioned, all of them claimed to be in the country for tourism.
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However, their suspicious behaviour — attempting to flee and concealing themselves in a hidden space — prompted authorities to launch a deeper investigation.
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Adding fuel to the controversy, a local politician arrived at the scene during the arrest and sternly questioned the officers: “What are you doing here? Is this even your job?” he asked, according to local media reports.
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The encounter sparked speculation that the politician has been acting as an intermediary for Chinese investors, though the exact nature of the relationship was not known.