Authorities in Kanchanaburi have arrested a Thai driver and an undocumented Chinese national after intercepting a pickup truck bearing a government insignia at a security checkpoint. The vehicle was stopped on April 6 at a checkpoint in Thong Pha Phum district, preventing the pair from reaching the border area near Sangkhla Buri.
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The operation was conducted under the direction of provincial governor Warittha Sanguansermsri and Police Major General Passavee Ruangphu, as part of a wider crackdown on transnational crime and call centre gangs using border routes into Myanmar. Officers had received intelligence that a group of Chinese nationals would be transported along Highway 323 towards the Three Pagodas Pass.
At the checkpoint, officials identified a black Toyota Vigo pickup matching the tip-off, noting it displayed a government agency emblem on both doors. The driver, identified as 30-year-old Sathit from Chalai subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum, was wearing a uniform matching the insignia on the vehicle.
A Chinese passenger, identified as Mr Long Tao, aged 27, was found in the vehicle. He was unable to produce identification documents and could not speak Thai. Both individuals were taken into custody for further questioning.
During initial questioning, the driver admitted he had been instructed by a supervisor from a national park unit where he worked to collect a group of Chinese nationals from a petrol station in Thong Pha Phum and transport them to a destination. The arrest occurred before the journey could be completed.
Police have charged the driver with assisting and concealing an undocumented foreign national to evade arrest. The Chinese national has been charged with illegal entry into the country.
Authorities are also investigating the vehicle’s use of a government insignia. Officials will determine whether it was a legitimate government vehicle or if the markings were falsified. Further legal action will be taken if misuse or forgery is confirmed.
Matichon reported that the case highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to disrupt illegal border crossings and dismantle networks linked to organised crime. Increased patrols and intelligence-led operations are expected to continue in the region.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 8 Apr 2026
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