BANGKOK: According to reports from Thailand, 19 undocumented Myanmar nationals have been arrested by Thai authorities in Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province.
On the morning of July 20, Thai authorities were conducting surveillance at a checkpoint along the Thong Pha Phum–Sai Yok road in Sai Yok District following a tip-off from local residents.
During the operation, a white Isuzu MU-X vehicle approached the checkpoint. Upon spotting police officers, the driver reportedly made a sudden U-turn toward Thong Pha Phum District and sped away.
Thai authorities pursued the vehicle, which eventually entered Ban Pha On village in Thong Pha Phum District.
According to Thai media reports, the driver lost control and crashed into large rocks by the roadside, causing the vehicle to stop. The driver then fled the scene and reportedly escaped in another vehicle that had arrived to pick him up.
When authorities searched the abandoned vehicle, they found and detained 19 undocumented Myanmar nationals.
According to statements reportedly given by those arrested, they had traveled from the Payathonzu area on the Thai-Myanmar border and were attempting to reach Samut Prakan Province for employment. They said they had each paid a broker 140,000 Thai baht for the journey, Thai media reported.
The 19 individuals are currently being held at Thong Pha Phum Police Station and will face legal action under Thai immigration laws, according to Thai news reports.
Local residents said Thai authorities have intensified crackdowns in the Three Pagodas Pass border area due to illegal activities including drug trafficking, human trafficking, online scam operations, and unlawful border crossings. As a result, undocumented Myanmar nationals and other foreign nationals are being arrested almost daily.
Thai media also reported that on July 15 and 16, a further 39 undocumented Myanmar nationals were arrested by authorities in Kanchanaburi Province. - Eleven Media/ANN
