Lao authorities handed over 78 Thai nationals at the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border crossing between Chiang Khong and Huay Xai on 1 October, Thai immigration officials said.
Seventy-six of those returned were linked to call-centre gang cases and illegal entry, while two others were accused of illegal entry alone. Initial checks later found that eight people in the group were wanted on outstanding Thai arrest warrants.
The handover was handled by Chiang Saen Immigration officers, although it took place at the Chiang Khong-Huay Xai crossing in Chiang Rai province.
Eight held on Thai warrants
The operation was overseen by Pol Lt Gen Noppasil Phoosawat, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau; Pol Maj Gen Decho Sosuwannakul, commander of Immigration Division 5; and Pol Col Phattharapong Inwana, superintendent of Chiang Saen Immigration checkpoint.
Pol Lt Col Kritwat Amnat, deputy superintendent at the checkpoint, led the officers assigned to coordinate the reception of the group.
Officials checked the returnees' backgrounds and screened them under Thailand's National Referral Mechanism, which is used to identify possible victims of human trafficking. The initial assessment found no trafficking victims among the 78 people.
Most of those questioned said they had been drawn in by social-media job advertisements promising monthly pay of 18,000 to 25,000 baht.
Criminal-record checks found eight people - four men and four women - with active warrants in Thailand. The allegations include joint fraud, mule-account offences, involvement in a transnational criminal organisation, theft and evasion of military conscription.
The eight were detained and sent on for legal action in the relevant jurisdictions. The remaining people had their details recorded before being allowed to return to their home provinces.
Warning over overseas job adverts
Thai officials warned the public not to be persuaded by apparently easy, high-paying jobs in neighbouring countries, saying such offers can expose people to criminal activity and serious criminal charges.
Authorities have repeatedly highlighted the risks surrounding call-centre operations in the region, where recruits may find themselves involved in illegal activity even if they initially believe they are accepting legitimate employment.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
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2 October 2026
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