63 Myanmar Migrants Arrested in Rented House in Phayao

Authorities in northern Thailand have arrested 63 Myanmar nationals found living in a rented house in Mae Tam, Mueang district, Phayao, on 24 April 2026. The group, comprising 33 men and 30 women, had allegedly paid brokers between 8,500 and 10,000 baht each to be smuggled into the country for work. Officials said the migrants were awaiting transfer to job sites in Bangkok and railway projects in Phitsanulok.

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The operation followed earlier arrests by Mueang Phayao police, which led to the coordinated raid involving multiple agencies. Those involved included provincial police, immigration officers, labour officials, and internal security units, acting under orders from district chief Somchai Wongjariyakasem. The target property was identified as a temporary holding site for undocumented migrant workers.

During the inspection, officials discovered that the migrants had entered Thailand illegally via Mae Sai in Chiang Rai, transported in stages by vans and private cars. Two alleged Myanmar brokers, identified as “Sam” and “Palm”, were named by the migrants as organisers of the operation. Although some individuals carried Border Pass documents, none had valid permission to enter or work legally in Thailand.

Among those detained were three minors under the age of 18, raising concerns about possible human trafficking or labour exploitation. Authorities said the operation also aimed to screen for indicators of forced labour and trafficking networks. All adults were charged with illegal entry and transferred to investigators at Mueang Phayao Police Station for legal proceedings and court submission.

The three minors will be placed under the care of the Phayao Children and Family Home for protection and further assessment. Officials said they would examine whether the youths were victims of trafficking before arranging repatriation. The wider investigation is expected to focus on dismantling the smuggling network and identifying additional suspects.

Amarin reported that authorities have reiterated the risks associated with illegal migration routes and the role of brokers in exploiting vulnerable individuals. Further enforcement actions are likely as agencies continue to target networks facilitating undocumented entry and illegal employment across northern Thailand.

Picture courtesy of Amarin

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 25 Apr 2026