Thai soldiers patrolling the border in Mae Sot district, Tak province, intercepted 23 foreign nationals attempting to cross the Moei River illegally into Thailand on 13 March 2026. The group is believed to have fled scam-operation areas in Shwe Kokko, Myawaddy district, in Karen State, Myanmar.
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The individuals were discovered by troops from the Ratchamanu Task Force while conducting a routine patrol along the border near Ban Wang Kaew village, Moo 4, Mae Pa subdistrict, Mae Sot district. Soldiers from Infantry Company 1411 approached and inspected the group after spotting them crossing the river with luggage into Thai territory.
Officials confirmed the group consisted of 23 people, including 21 men and two women. All of them were foreign nationals and each was found to be carrying a passport at the time of the interception.
Authorities reported that the group represented five nationalities. Among them were 11 Indian nationals (10 men and one woman), seven Nepali nationals (six men and one woman), two Ethiopian men, two Sri Lankan men and one Chinese man.
Initial assessments by officials suggest the group had likely escaped from areas associated with online scam operations in Shwe Kokko, located in Myawaddy district in Myanmar’s Karen State. The area has been widely reported as a hub for transnational scam networks that lure foreign workers and victims.
Thai military personnel detained the group and began preliminary questioning to determine the circumstances of their arrival. Officials indicated the investigation will focus on verifying their identities, travel histories and whether they were victims or participants linked to scam compounds operating across the border.
Pictures courtesy of Amarin
Border authorities in Mae Sot frequently encounter cases involving foreign nationals attempting to cross from Myanmar, particularly amid ongoing concerns about scam centres operating in border regions. These operations have drawn workers from multiple countries, some of whom later attempt to flee the compounds.
The detained individuals will now undergo formal processing by authorities. Officials stated that all 23 foreigners will be handed over to immigration officers in Tak province for further investigation and legal procedures.
Amarin reported that relevant agencies will also coordinate to review the backgrounds of the individuals and determine whether additional protection measures or legal action are required depending on the results of the investigation.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 14 Mar 2026