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Navy Arrests 67 Cambodian Migrants at Chanthaburi Border

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Picture courtesy of SiamRath

Thai naval forces have arrested 67 Cambodian nationals for illegally entering Thailand on foot in Chanthaburi province, underscoring continued border security operations and the humanitarian pressures driving irregular migration. The group, including men, women and children, was detained early on 3 January 2026 and transferred to police for legal proceedings before repatriation.

According to Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaiphan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, the arrest took place at 5.00am on 3 January 2026 in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi. The operation was conducted by the Chanthaburi Marine Task Force in coordination with police and immigration officers under the Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defence Command. Those detained comprised 35 men, 25 women and seven children, all Cambodian nationals who had crossed into the kingdom without permission.

The navy said the operation formed part of ongoing, intensified surveillance and control measures along the eastern border to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and national security. Authorities cited concerns over illegal crossings being exploited by organised crime networks and posing risks to public order and safety. The arrests followed standard legal procedures, with officials stressing that enforcement remains necessary to deter unlawful entry.

Officials stated that all detainees were treated in accordance with the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act B.E. 2565 (2022). Special attention was given to women and children, with officers providing water, food and basic first aid at the scene. The group was then handed over to investigators at Ban Paeng Police Station to proceed with legal steps and deportation to their country of origin.

Initial questioning indicated that the migrants left Cambodia due to severe economic hardship, a lack of employment and insufficient income to support their families. Authorities said many felt compelled to risk the dangerous journey into Thailand in search of work to survive. The navy noted that these accounts reflect deeper structural and administrative challenges in the migrants’ home country that have contributed to poverty and limited options.

SiamRath reported that the Royal Thai Navy reiterated that illegal immigration can undermine state security and expose vulnerable people to exploitation by transnational criminal groups. It said enforcement would continue alongside a commitment to humane treatment and respect for human rights. The navy added that it supports sustainable solutions through appropriate international cooperation mechanisms to address the root causes of cross-border migration.

Key Takeaways

• Thai naval and security forces detained 67 Cambodian migrants in Chanthaburi on 3 January 2026 for illegal entry.

• Authorities reported the group included 35 men, 25 women and seven children, all treated under humanitarian standards.

• Officials linked the incident to economic hardship in Cambodia and reaffirmed strict but humane border enforcement.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Siamrath 2026-01-04

 

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