Suspected Human Smugglers Arrested at Tollway Booth in Bangkok

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Authorities on 18 January, arrested two men suspected of smuggling 10 illegal Myanmar migrants into Bangkok’s inner city, charging a fee of 1,000 baht per person. The operation took place at a tollway booth in Don Mueang, Bangkok.

 

The arrests follow an earlier operation on January 6, during which Thai highway police and immigration officers apprehended 58 illegal migrants linked to a Myanmar migrant labour smuggling network. That raid occurred in Phatthana Nikhom district, Lopburi province, and involved the seizure of four vehicles, including pickup trucks and vans.

 

Subsequent investigations led officers, under the direction of Pol. Maj. Gen. Worachat Saenkham and Pol. Maj. Gen. Chairit Anurith, to a suspicious Isuzu vehicle registered in Bangkok. Believing it to be linked to the smuggling network, the police monitored the vehicle’s movements and intercepted it at the Don Mueang toll plaza.

 

Upon inspection, officers discovered the vehicle was driven by a 27-year-old Myanmar national, referred to as Mr A, while a 59-year-old Thai man, referred to as Mr Boonluem, acted as a navigator. The vehicle was carrying 10 illegal Myanmar migrants. Under questioning, Mr Boonluem admitted to organising the smuggling operation, claiming he was paid 1,000 baht per person to transport the migrants from Nakhon Sawan province to Bangkok’s inner city.

 

Both suspects have been charged with “assisting and facilitating the illegal entry of foreign nationals into the kingdom.” The 10 migrants were also detained and charged with “illegal entry into Thailand.” The vehicle was seized as evidence, and all detainees were handed over to investigators at Don Mueang Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chairit Anurith, acting Immigration Police Division 3 commander, stated that the investigation remains ongoing, with the Royal Thai Police working to identify and apprehend higher-level members of the smuggling network. Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Tana Chuwong and Pol. Lt. Gen. Suraphon Prembutr have ordered intensified efforts to dismantle this operation.

 

-- 2025-01-19