Thai Police Crack Down Catches 72 Illegal Cambodian Migrant Workers

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Marine Police Division, successfully intercepted and detained a group of 72 Cambodian nationals attempting to enter Thailand illegally to be employed in the smuggling of goods. The operation took place off the coast of Koh Si Chang in Chonburi Province, following reports of illegal activities in the area.

 

The Marine Police, led by Police Colonel Chatchai Suwan, deployed Patrol Boat 634 to monitor and curb criminal activity in the region. During the patrol, officers spotted a vessel, Rung Ruang Sap, heavily laden with passengers who appeared to be foreign nationals. Upon boarding the vessel, authorities identified the passengers as Cambodian nationals lacking proper documentation. Mr. Pramarn, the boat’s captain, was detained for transporting the undocumented individuals.

 

The migrants had reportedly entered Thailand via the Ban Laem checkpoint in Chanthaburi Province before boarding the vessel at Charin Pier in Si Racha District, Chonburi. Their intended destination was the waters off Koh Si Chang, where they planned to engage in work connected with the smuggling of goods into Thailand.

 

Following the arrests, the authorities processed the individuals for potential victim identification to determine if any had been trafficked. The detainees were subsequently handed over to Koh Si Chang Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. CIB and Marine Police officials confirmed they would be conducting further investigations to track down the employers and those involved in facilitating illegal migration, aiming to bring all responsible parties to justice.

 

The successful operation was directed by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridech, CIB Commissioner, with close coordination from senior officials in the Marine Police Division, Immigration Office of Chonburi, and local welfare and labor protection agencies. This inter-agency effort underscores Thailand’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring safe labor practices.

 

The CIB emphasizes its dedication to upholding law and order in a professional, impartial, and community-focused manner. Further actions are underway to address illegal labor practices and trafficking concerns within the country.

 

Picture and video courtesy of CIB

-- 2024-11-09