reader Posted March 27 Posted March 27 From Khaosod English Officers arrest male waiters, known as "bar hosts," who served and entertained female customers at Home Karaoke, described as a women-only hostess lounge in Bangkok on March 26, 2025 BANGKOK — Immigration authorities arrested 57 foreign nationals, both women and men, working illegally and a Thai employer during coordinated raids on 10 karaoke establishments across Bangkok late Tuesday night. The operation, led by Immigration Bureau 1 Commander Police Major General Prasart Khemaprasit, targeted venues in three main areas known for inexpensive karaoke bars: Klongtoei, Romklao, and Thonburi. According to officials, the raids are part of a broader enforcement initiative ordered by Immigration Bureau Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak to crack down on illegal foreign workers and visa overstayers throughout Thailand. More than 40 immigration officers participated in the late-night operation on March 25. Authorities described most establishments as small and dimly lit, with some featuring private VIP rooms equipped with stages and karaoke equipment. Among the raided venues was Home Karaoke, described as a women-only hostess lounge where male waiters served and entertained female customers. Police Colonel Rapeepat Utsaha, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 1, stated that according to current investigation data, officers have arrested 53 Laotian nationals, 4 Vietnamese nationals, and 1 Thai employer charged with hiring foreign workers without work permits, totaling 58 people. Officials report that 51 suspects had entered Thailand legally with passport documentation and received 60-day visa exemptions but failed to obtain proper work permits.Two Laotian nationals were found to have overstayed their visas, while five others had no passport documentation at all. The Immigration Bureau has charged the suspects variously with working without permits, visa overstay, and illegal entry, according to their respective violations. https://www.gayguides.com/forum/5-the-beer-bar/?do=add vinapu and Ruthrieston 2 Quote