Picture courtesy of Daily News

Thailand’s Rachamanu Task Force intercepted 18 Ethiopian nationals who had illegally entered Thailand from Myanmar, authorities said on January 1, 2026. The group was found during a routine patrol in Mae Sot district, Tak province and all were taken into custody for immigration offences. Officials said the immediate impact was the prevention of unauthorised movement across the border and the transfer of the suspects to police for legal action.

The interception took place in Moo 3, Ban Tha-At, within the Tha Sai Luat subdistrict of Mae Sot, an area close to the Thai–Myanmar frontier. A patrol unit conducting routine surveillance noticed a group of individuals whose behaviour raised suspicion and moved in to conduct an inspection. Officers determined the group consisted of foreign nationals who had crossed the border through natural routes.

During questioning, all 18 individuals admitted they had entered Thailand illegally from Myanmar. Authorities identified them as Ethiopian citizens, comprising 15 men and three women. Officials said the group had been attempting to stay in Thailand without authorisation at the time they were intercepted.

Following the interception, the Rachamanu Task Force handed the group over to Mae Sot police. The individuals now face charges related to illegal entry under Thai immigration law. Police confirmed that legal proceedings would be carried out in accordance with existing regulations.

The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by Thai authorities in monitoring long and porous border areas, particularly in Tak province. Security units regularly conduct patrols in these locations to deter illegal crossings and identify unauthorised migrants. Officials have reiterated that routine surveillance remains a key measure in enforcing immigration controls.

Authorities did not indicate whether the group was linked to a wider network or whether additional arrests were expected. No injuries were reported during the operation and officials described the interception as proceeding without incident. Further investigation will be handled by police as part of standard legal procedures.

Khoasod reported that Mae Sot police will continue processing the case under Thai law. The Ethiopian nationals will remain in custody while legal steps are taken. Officials said further action would follow established immigration processes, including potential deportation after proceedings are completed.

Key Takeaways

• Thai security forces intercepted 18 Ethiopian nationals who crossed illegally from Myanmar on January 1, 2026.

• The group included 15 men and three women and was found during routine surveillance in Mae Sot, Tak province.

• All individuals were handed over to police and face legal proceedings for illegal entry under Thai law.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2026-01-02

 

I bet at least one of them has a load of cocaine pellets up their rectum.

4 hours ago, Freddy42OZ said:

I bet at least one of them has a load of cocaine pellets up their rectum.

Disgusting comment.

Why not plainly deport them on the spot to Ethiopia ? Many european tourists are going to Ethopia with no issues. If Thailand makes the same mistakes Europe has been making for decades in letting all the illegal economic migrants/refugees in, it is plainly encouraging the others to follow.

What a crap guide.Promises them Britain then ends up in Thailand.

On 1/3/2026 at 6:55 PM, geisha said:

Disgusting comment.

Bet you are a barrel of laughs!

Traveling illegally from Ethiopia to Burma to Thailand... must be desperate. I like the way Thailand is strict on this sort of nonsense to keep the garbage out and just deports straight back to whence they came... the UK could learn a lot for Thai immigration policy and start employing some reciprocity to all, including to Thais.

Guess they finished up their scam employment in the old country and promise free flights from Swampy, but only if you can get there by Tuesday.

Time for Army to get some drones to monitor the border. Keep the patrols in the barricks monitoring screens with AC. Stay cool.

On 1/3/2026 at 2:47 PM, Freddy42OZ said:

I bet at least one of them has a load of cocaine pellets up their rectum.

Don’t think so.That would have rectum.