Report Ayutthaya Bust: 30 Undocumented Migrants Discovered in Truck

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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a dramatic twist today on Asia Highway, Ayutthaya police intercepted a pickup truck carrying 30 undocumented Myanmar nationals, revealing a significant human smuggling operation. The incident occurred after a high-speed chase, sparking fresh concerns over migrant smuggling in the region.

 

The operation began when authorities, led by Police Colonel That Phosuwan of Highway Police Subdivision 1, received a tip-off about suspicious activities. Police Lieutenant Colonel Supakorn Tangkaprasert and his team had been scrutinising smuggling routes when they spotted a peculiar white pickup truck.

 

This vehicle, notable for its steel cage and tarpaulin cover typical of produce transporters, was driving erratically with Tak licence plates. Officers observed the truck swerving dangerously, indicating it was heavily loaded. Attempts to stop the truck near kilometre marker 45–46 in Maharat district led to a tense pursuit. The chase concluded dramatically when the truck collided with a police car, forcing it to a stop.

 

Upon close inspection, officers found a cleverly disguised two-tier compartment in the truck's bed, filled with fertiliser sacks and hay. Hidden within were 30 Myanmar nationals—20 men and 10 women—crammed together, without passports or documentation.

 

The driver, Kriengsak Arphai, 45, and his passenger, Boonchuay Intheuan, 31, were promptly arrested. Kriengsak confessed to transporting the migrants as a favour to a former employer who had previously assisted his family. Boonchuay, linked to the same employer, joined the journey.

 

A background check revealed Kriengsak had a history of smuggling, having recently completed a prison term for similar offences just four months prior.

 

Through an interpreter, the migrants disclosed that they entered Thailand via natural routes in Mae Sot, Tak province. They had each paid between 12,000 and 18,000 Thai Baht, striving to find work in the country.

 

Authorities have charged Kriengsak and Boonchuay with aiding undocumented migrants in evading arrest. Meanwhile, the 30 migrants face charges for unlawful entry and stay in Thailand. All individuals involved and evidence collected have been transferred to Maharat Police Station for further action.

 

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of controlling human smuggling and highlights the complex socio-economic factors driving migrant movements in the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-29