Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

On 16 September 2025, Kanchanaburi officials arrested 127 undocumented Myanmar workers along with two Thai facilitators in a coordinated operation in Thong Pha Phum district. Three vehicles used to transport the workers were seized during the raids. The arrests followed reports of increased illegal border crossings from neighbouring Myanmar.

 

The operation involved multiple agencies including district officials, soldiers from the Task Force Lat Ya, local police, immigration officers and Border Patrol Police. Earlier, 53 workers were detained along with three vehicles, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance of additional incoming vehicles. Officers tracked three vans carrying more workers, two of which fled into nearby farmland, while one broke down, allowing authorities to detain those inside.

 

In total, 113 workers were captured from the vans, comprising 73 men, 38 women and 2 children. The two van drivers, Mr Suthee, 48, from Yasothon, and Mr Surachai, 40, from Ubon Ratchathani, were arrested and face charges of assisting foreigners to evade arrest. The workers confirmed they paid 15,000–20,000 baht each to reach inner provinces of Thailand for employment.

 

Officials reported that Myanmar workers continue to cross the border in large numbers. At the Ran Tee Bridge checkpoint in Sangkhla Buri district, another 14 workers were found hiding in a forest and detained for questioning. Authorities emphasised ongoing cooperation among security agencies to prevent illegal migration and human trafficking in border provinces.

 

The provincial government is reviewing border security measures and may implement stricter patrols and checkpoints to reduce illegal crossings. Legal proceedings are ongoing for both the workers and the facilitators according to Thai immigration and criminal law. Officials continue to monitor movements in high-risk border areas to prevent further smuggling incidents.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Authorities in Kanchanaburi captured 127 Myanmar workers and two Thai facilitators in Thong Pha Phum.

• Three vehicles used for transporting the workers were seized during the coordinated operation.

• Security forces are strengthening border patrols to prevent continued illegal crossings.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-09-17

 

 

 

 

127 in 3 vans sardines anyone