162 Myanmar Migrants Caught Hiding in Thong Pha Phum Forest

Pictures courtesy of Naewna 

Authorities in Kanchanaburi’s Thong Pha Phum District arrested 162 Myanmar nationals who were found hiding in a forest on the morning of October 19, 2025. The large group, which included men, women and minors, was waiting for transport to several provinces where they hoped to find work. Officials said the arrests were made after a tip-off from a local resident alerted them to suspicious activity in the area.

The operation began around 09:30, when Kanchanaburi Governor Athisan Intra, together with Deputy Governor Wuttipong Supakunich, Provincial Clerk Tharat Luengsa-ard, and Thong Pha Phum District Chief Chakrit Tanpirul, ordered an immediate investigation. Senior district officers, led by Athiphon Samsaen and Wallop Jinda, mobilised a special task force of local defence volunteers and administrative officers to search the reported site in Ban Hin Laem, Village 5, Tha Khanun Subdistrict.

Upon arrival, officers found the group concealed within the forest. The team identified themselves and ordered everyone to surrender, which they did without resistance. A total of 162 individuals were detained, 94 men, 57 women, and 11 minors aged between 15 and 18.

Through interpreters, the migrants said they had crossed illegally from Myanmar using natural routes along the Sangkhla Buri border area. They travelled by foot and boat before being dropped off in Thong Pha Phum, where they were told to wait in the forest. Drivers reportedly instructed them to remain there for about five hours until another vehicle arrived to take them to a temporary shelter in Mueang Kanchanaburi District.

The migrants said they had paid brokers 20,000–24,000 baht each, depending on the destination. Their intended destinations included Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, Chon Buri, Ayutthaya and Songkhla, while some planned to continue on to Malaysia for work. Before their next transport arrived, officers intercepted and detained them.

Authorities confirmed that the group had admitted to entering Thailand illegally. They were taken to Thong Pha Phum Police Station for legal proceedings under immigration laws. The arrest is the latest in a series of crackdowns on illegal cross-border migration in the province, which has seen an increase in smuggling activity along forested border routes.

Key Takeaways

• 162 Myanmar migrants were detained in Thong Pha Phum forest after entering Thailand illegally.

• The group had paid brokers up to 24,000 baht each to reach various provinces and Malaysia.

• Authorities continue to intensify surveillance along border areas in Kanchanaburi.

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-10-20