YANGON: A Myanmar national was arrested by Thai authorities after allegedly attempting to transport more than 23 million baht (US$689,077) across the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sai, according to a report by Thai news outlet North Now.
Customs officials at the Mae Sai border checkpoint on the Thai side stopped and inspected a private vehicle bearing Myanmar licence plates while it was crossing the Friendship Bridge.
During the inspection, authorities discovered bundles of 1,000-baht banknotes concealed inside cartons of dried fish and potatoes. The cash had been packed in plastic bags and hidden inside the boxes.
Officials found approximately 17 million baht in the first carton and another 6.023 million baht in the second, bringing the total amount seized to 23.023 million baht.
The 31-year-old Myanmar driver is suspected of attempting to smuggle the Thai currency out of the country. Thai authorities stated that the alleged offence violates Thailand's Customs Act and the country's foreign exchange control regulations.
The suspect has been charged and is being held at Mae Sai Police Station while authorities continue their investigation to identify others who may be connected to the case. - Eleven Media/ANN
