Three Migrant Workers Found Dead in Kanchanaburi Reservoir

Picture courtesy of Matichon

Authorities in Kanchanaburi recovered the bodies of three Myanmar migrant workers on 12 September after their boat struck a submerged tree in the Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir. The deceased, two men and one woman, were found floating near Khao Kai U in Prang Phle Subdistrict, Sangkhla Buri District. Their bodies were taken to Sangkhla Buri Hospital for autopsy.

The discovery followed a report at 11.35 to Suriyasak Mueanouam, District Chief of Sangkhla Buri, who dispatched a rapid response team. Officials from local police, military, park rangers and rescue volunteers joined the operation to recover the bodies. The location was about 300 metres from the Khuean Lam National Park protection unit at Nong Kum, and retrieval took considerable time.

According to local sources, the incident occurred on the night of 9 September at around 20.30. A group involved in smuggling migrant workers illegally into Thailand used boats to transport 22 people across the reservoir from Ban Dong Sak in Nong Lu Subdistrict. During the night journey, one vessel hit a submerged tree, causing three passengers to fall overboard and drown.

The bodies remained underwater for several days, until they surfaced and were found by villagers on 12 September. Officials confirmed the victims as part of the group of 22, but the exact number of people who may have fallen into the water has not yet been verified. The authorities are continuing to investigate, to establish precise details.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges with illegal border crossings in Kanchanaburi, which borders Myanmar. Smuggling networks continue to transport workers into Thailand via remote water routes, despite enforcement efforts. Officials say investigations will continue to identify organisers and prevent future incidents.

Police at Sangkhla Buri Police Station are leading inquiries into the case, with support from military and administrative officials. The cause of the collision has been attributed to the boat striking a submerged tree at night, but officers will examine other factors and take testimony from other migrants who were onboard. Further operations may be carried out to locate any additional victims if reports confirm more missing persons.

Key Takeaways

• Three Myanmar migrants drowned after a boat collision in Kanchanaburi.

• The incident involved 22 illegal workers crossing Vajiralongkorn Dam.

• Authorities are investigating smuggling operations and possible more missing victims.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-14