Hidden migrant workers in household goods truck foiled in Bangkok

[webfact]

 

The illegal transportation of migrant workers into Bangkok was recently foiled by highway police. A truck, which was seemingly moving household items, was intercepted, revealing nine Myanmar migrant workers hidden within the cargo. Investigations are underway to establish the full extent of this smuggling operation.

 

Today, highway police in Ayutthaya, led by officer Paphinwit Udomphorn, continued their operation against the illegal smuggling of migrant workers into Bangkok and the surrounding provinces. Using both main and secondary road routes, the officers scrutinized vehicles suspected of carrying undocumented workers.

 

During their patrol on highway number 32, through Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, the team flagged down an overweight Isuzu pick-up truck, registration number ขง-4434 Phitsanulok. Despite attempts to evade the police, the vehicle was eventually stopped near kilometre marker 27 in Bor Pong, Nakhon Luang.

Upon inspection, the driver, 42 year old Pongpet Saeyang, was discovered along with nine Myanmar migrant workers, both male and female, concealed within the load. None of the group possessed any travel documents or alternative paperwork.

 

by Nattapong Westwood

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod.

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-11

 

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[jippytum]

It is not expensive or too difficult for contractors to obtain legal permits for immigrant workers. Employers sometimes do not wish workers  to be lawful as the lack of a permit allows the employers to evade taxes and provide lower wages and living conditions to fearful illegal employees. 

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Upon inspection, the driver, 42 year old Pongpet Saeyang, was discovered along with nine Myanmar migrant workers, both male and female, concealed within the load. None of the group possessed any travel documents or alternative paperwork.

Thailand still in the thick of people trafficking.

[loong]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

the driver, 42 year old Pongpet Saeyang, was discovered.......

sat in the seat behind the steering wheel.

Amazing police work!