Crime Third Time Unlucky: Authorities Intercept Pickup Truck Smuggling Nine Chinese Nationals

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Military and administrative officials have arrested nine Chinese nationals being smuggled into Thailand illegally via pickup truck, after intercepting the vehicle during a routine patrol in a high-risk border area. The driver, a Thai national, admitted this was his third such attempt, having previously succeeded twice without being caught.

 

The joint operation was carried out by a long-range patrol unit from the Naresuan Task Force in collaboration with local administrative officers from Wang Chao District. While patrolling a route frequently used for illegal activities, officials stopped a suspicious pickup truck travelling along the Tha Thong Daeng–Pha Phueng road in Chiang Thong subdistrict.

 

 

Upon inspection, nine Chinese individuals were discovered crammed into the back of the vehicle, eight men and one woman. Some were found without valid travel documents.

 

During questioning, the suspect confessed that he had previously smuggled Chinese nationals into Thailand on two occasions without incident. He stated he was to be paid 300 baht per person for this latest operation.

 

According to authorities, the Chinese nationals had been working in Myanmar and were attempting to return to China via Thailand. Their journey was cut short by the patrol team before they could proceed further.

 

All ten individuals, nine Chinese and one Thai, were handed over to Wang Chao Police Station for legal processing. The case is now under formal investigation, with potential charges including illegal entry, aiding and abetting unlawful immigration, and transport of undocumented individuals.

 

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod.

 

-- 2025-04-21