Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

More than 600 foreign nationals were observed sheltering along the Moei River on 27 November as they waited to try to cross into Thailand, raising concern among authorities in Tak province. The group built temporary huts and tents along the riverbank opposite Mahawan subdistrict, Mae Sot district, to shield themselves from sun and rain while preparing firewood to stay warm during the cold evenings. Officials monitoring the situation from the Thai side believe many in the group are linked to scam operations and are attempting to enter Thailand illegally.

 

The foreign nationals reportedly left buildings in the Minlapan area on the Myanmar side before setting up makeshift shelters near the riverbank. Most appeared to be Chinese nationals, but individuals of other foreign groups were identifiable from across the border. Their presence coincides with an earlier group of more than 600 foreign nationals who were detained and are still undergoing screening by Thai authorities, with no repatriation carried out yet.

 

Officials stated that the current fighting inside Myanmar has not affected the temporary encampments of those waiting near the river. Thai border units remain on alert as they continue processing the earlier group, causing delays in addressing any new arrivals from the opposite bank. Observers noted that the increasing number of foreign nationals gathering near the river underscores ongoing regional instability and persistent cross-border migration pressures.

 

Daily News reported that as night fell, the group searched for firewood to build campfires to stay warm amid dropping temperatures along the river. Thai authorities are continuing surveillance while assessing potential security implications and preparing further screening procedures should the group attempt to enter Thailand. The situation is expected to develop as border officials coordinate responses and monitor conditions on both sides of the Moei River.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• More than 600 foreign nationals, believed linked to scam groups, gathered along the Moei River on 27 November awaiting entry into Thailand.

• The group built temporary shelters and prepared firewood after leaving buildings in Minlapan on the Myanmar side.

• Thai authorities are still screening a previous group of over 600 people and remain on alert as cross-border pressures continue.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-11-28

 

 

37 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

More than 600 foreign nationals, believed linked to scam groups,

Just what Thailand needs more scamming foreigners 

Looks like France

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

More than 600 foreign nationals, believed linked to scam groups, gathered along the Moei River on 27 November awaiting entry into Thailand

From the VDO. They are stretching the numbers a bit to say 600. Looks more like about 80 people or less there. 

Off topic troll post removed @Vlada Floric

If they are Chinese, why don't they go directly back across the Chinese border ?

 

Why are Chinese attempting to illegally enter Thailand via Myanmar, shouldn't they be going back to China where they belong? Thailand would be crazy to let them in.

On 11/28/2025 at 5:15 AM, SAFETY FIRST said:

Just what Thailand needs more scamming foreigners 

China is a curse on the world.