Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

Thai security forces arrested 33 Thai nationals in the early hours of 26 June for illegally crossing the border from Cambodia via a natural passage in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province. The group was reportedly fleeing from rising tensions in the border city of Poipet.

 

The joint operation, led by Burapha Task Force units including the Aranyaprathet Special Operations Group, the 1204th Company of the 12th Ranger Regiment, local village leaders and the headman of Phan Suek subdistrict, successfully intercepted the group at Ban Phan Suek, a known natural crossing point.

 

The 33 individuals were caught trekking through the darkness, attempting to re-enter Thailand undetected.

 

According to preliminary investigations, all detainees had previously been working in Poipet, but growing fears over the deteriorating security situation in Cambodia’s border region prompted them to urgently flee. They reportedly paid local guides 4,000 baht each to lead them on a 20-kilometre detour through Malai District in Banteay Meanchey Province, a remote area often used as an unofficial crossing point.

 

However, their plan failed when border patrol rangers, already monitoring suspicious movements, detected the group’s presence. The rangers maintained visual contact and coordinated with local community leaders to safely intercept and detain all members of the group.

 

The 33 individuals were later transferred to Khlong Nam Sai Police Station for legal processing and further investigation.

 

This incident comes amid heightened cross-border concerns, with Thai authorities closely monitoring developments in Cambodia. While regular commercial flights between Bangkok and Phnom Penh reportedly continue as normal, land border movements remain under scrutiny due to escalating regional instability.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-27

 

 

 

46 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

4,000 baht each to lead them on a 20-kilometre detour

 

their plan failed when border patrol rangers, already monitoring  suspicious movements, detected the group’s presence 

Crikey, I hope they got their 4000 baht returned. 

 

It's outrageous, a shame that they don't let their citizens back in unhindered.

Hope they get away with 500 Baht.

On 6/26/2025 at 11:15 PM, SAFETY FIRST said:

Crikey, I hope they got their 4000 baht returned. 

 

 

Indeed, the guides should be in jail.