Migrant Worker Camps in Phuket: Methamphetamine Use and Crackdowns

According to an inspection operation conducted in Thalang District, five migrant workers in two labour camps tested positive for methamphetamine, resulting in an investigation into the source of the drug. The operation, conducted by a team of officials and local community leaders, involved checking work permits, passports, and conducting health screenings. In a separate incident, police raids on two worker camps in central Phuket led to the arrest of three individuals and the discovery of methamphetamine use among six Myanmar workers.

Key Takeaways:

• Five migrant workers in two labour camps in Thalang District tested positive for methamphetamine during an inspection operation conducted on May 13.
• The operation involved a team of officials and local community leaders, including the Thalang District Office Special Operations Unit, Phuket Immigration Police, and public health officers.
• Random urine drug tests were administered to 40 workers, with five returning positive results for methamphetamine use.
• Employers were notified, and investigations commenced to trace the source of the drug.
• In a separate incident, police raids on two worker camps in central Phuket resulted in the arrest of two Myanmar nationals and one Thai national after six Myanmar workers tested positive for methamphetamine.
• The operation was carried out by Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun and Deputy Chief Wisut Romin, and involved personnel from local administrative bodies, police, immigration officers, health workers, labour officials, and the Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor).
• Inspections of work permits and passports were conducted during the operation, but no illegal items were found at the time.

Statistics:

• 5 migrant workers tested positive for methamphetamine in Thalang District.
• 40 workers were administered random urine drug tests.
• 5 workers tested positive for methamphetamine.
• 2 labour camps in Moo 3 and Moo 4 Sakhu were inspected in Thalang District.
• 3 individuals were arrested in central Phuket after police raids on two worker camps.
• 6 Myanmar workers tested positive for methamphetamine in central Phuket.

Sources:

• The Phuket News
• Thalang District Office