Thai Task force Intercepts 26 Malaysians in Tak

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Thai security forces intercepted 26 foreign nationals who had illegally crossed into Thailand from Myanmar in Tak province on 31 December, preventing further unauthorised movement inland. The group was detained during a checkpoint operation and handed over to police for legal proceedings.

According to the report, the interception was carried out by Rachamanu Task Force (Chor. Rachamanu) personnel under the 1411st Infantry Company. A single operational unit was deployed to establish a checkpoint and interception point along the Ban Mae Kon Ken–Koh Manao route in Moo 1, Ban Mahawan, Mahawan subdistrict, Mae Sot district, Tak province.

The soldiers identified a group of suspicious individuals and approached them for inspection after declaring their presence. Upon investigation, authorities found 26 people of Malaysian nationality, consisting of 23 men and three women. All individuals were treated as suspects under Thai immigration law.

During questioning, the group admitted that they had crossed into Thailand via natural border routes from Myanmar. They also acknowledged that they were present in the Kingdom without official permission or valid authorisation, confirming the illegal nature of their entry.

The operation forms part of ongoing security measures along Thailand’s western border, particularly in Tak province, which has long been used as a transit area for cross-border movement. Military and security units regularly conduct patrols, checkpoints, and interception operations in response to concerns over illegal migration and border security.

Following the interception, the task force took the suspects into custody without incident. No injuries or resistance were reported during the operation and there was no indication of additional accomplices at the scene.

The detained individuals were subsequently transferred to officers at Mae Sot Police Station. Police are responsible for proceeding with legal action in accordance with Thai law governing illegal entry and immigration offences.

Authorities have not released further details regarding potential charges or the next steps in the judicial process. The case will proceed under standard procedures for foreign nationals found to have entered and remained in the country without authorisation.

Matichon reported that security officials are expected to maintain heightened vigilance along known border crossing routes, particularly during periods of increased movement. Operations similar to this interception are likely to continue as part of broader efforts to enforce border control and immigration regulations.

Key Takeaways

• Thai soldiers intercepted 26 Malaysian nationals who illegally crossed into Tak province from Myanmar on 31 December 2568.

• The group admitted to entering Thailand through natural border routes without permission.

• All suspects were handed over to Mae Sot police for legal proceedings under immigration law.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2026-01-01