Authorities Intercept Illegal Migrant Transport on Rantee River

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

Kanchanaburi security forces have intercepted a boat carrying 19 illegal migrants attempting to use Thailand as a transit route to a neighbouring country. The operation was conducted by Ladya Task Force under the Surasi Force, in coordination with the Royal Thai Police and local authorities in Sangkhla Buri District.

Major General Atsadawut Panyarachun, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division and head of the Surasi Force, confirmed that intelligence reports had alerted them to an illegal migrant smuggling operation in Pak Nam Rantee, Sangkhla Buri. In response, he ordered Colonel Phannasak Phreawpanich, Commander of the 29th Infantry Regiment and head of the Ladya Task Force, to deploy security teams alongside Border Patrol Police Unit 134, Sangkhla Buri Police Station, and local administrative officers to monitor the area.

While patrolling the Rantee River, officers spotted a longtail boat carrying suspicious cargo covered with a tarpaulin. Upon seeing the authorities, the boat’s operator accelerated down the river, prompting a high-speed pursuit. Security forces managed to intercept the vessel and ordered it to stop for inspection.

Upon investigation, officers found the boat was piloted by “Mr A” with “Mr B”, acting as a lookout. Both men confessed that they had been transporting 19 illegal migrants from Ban Wang Ka, Sangkhla Buri, after they had crossed into Thailand on foot via a natural border route. The operation was reportedly orchestrated by “Mr Chai”, a Myanmar national, who arranged for the migrants to travel via vehicle to the river, where they were then ferried across.

The plan was for the group to disembark at Huai Farang Pier in Prang Phle Subdistrict, from where a vehicle was set to take them to Malaysia for work. The migrants had reportedly agreed to pay smugglers between 15,000 and 25,000 baht upon reaching their destination.

All suspects were detained and transferred to Sangkhla Buri Police Station for further legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the Ladya Task Force and Surasi Force continue to conduct land and river patrols to prevent further illegal border crossings, in line with the policies set by the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army.

Security forces have reported a series of successful arrests in recent months as they intensify operations against illegal migration and cross-border crime

-- 2025-03-21