Thai Driver Held For Smuggling Six Chinese in Mae Sot

Thai security forces arrested a 26-year-old Thai driver after he was found transporting six Chinese nationals without travel documents at a security checkpoint in Mae Sot, Tak province, on 17 May. Authorities said all seven men were taken into custody and face charges related to illegal entry and assisting unlawful migrants.

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The operation took place on Asia Highway 12 at a security checkpoint in Ban Huai Ya U, Village 10, Tambon Dan Mae Lamao, on the Mae Sot to Mueang Tak route. Personnel from the Royal Thai Army’s Task Force Ratchamanu, Long Range Reconnaissance patrol units under Naresuan Force, provincial police from Phawo Police Station, and Tak Provincial Police jointly inspected a white Isuzu truck registered in Tak province.

The vehicle was travelling from Mueang Tak towards Mae Sot when officers noticed suspicious behaviour from the driver, identified as 26-year-old Mr Rattawut, a Thai national. A search of the vehicle revealed six Chinese male passengers, none of whom possessed passports or legal travel documents.

During initial questioning, Mr Rattawut reportedly admitted he had been contacted by Chinese individuals to collect the passengers from outside Mueang Tak District Prison in Tak province. He said he was paid 9,000 baht for the transport job. Authorities did not report any further accomplices at the scene at this stage of the investigation.

The six Chinese nationals were detained on suspicion of entering Thailand illegally without permission. Mr Rattawut was also taken into custody and faces charges of concealing or assisting foreign nationals who have entered the Kingdom unlawfully in order to help them avoid arrest.

Daily News reported that authorities have not yet disclosed whether further arrests are expected, but confirmed that all suspects have been handed over for legal proceedings. Investigations are continuing to determine the wider network behind the alleged smuggling operation.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 19 May 2026