Twelve Thais Detained After Illegal Cambodia Forest Border Entry

Photo courtesy of Khaosod

Twelve Thai nationals were returned to Thailand after being detained for illegally crossing into Cambodia. Cambodian officials handed them over at the Ban Cham Yeam checkpoint on January 13, with transfers made to Khlong Yai district in Trat province. The individuals were initially detained on January 8, accused of entering Cambodia through Khao Wong in eastern Thailand.

The returnees underwent health screenings by Thai officials upon arrival. While 11 were in good health, a 44-year-old woman exhibited severe anxiety and was placed under medical care due to her history of depression. Noi, a 23-year-old from Khlong Yai, admitted to leading the group through a forest route, bypassing closed official checkpoints.

Noi explained that he led two groups on January 8, navigating via the forest under cover of darkness. He claimed to be paid 6,000 baht per person by an employer, emphasizing there was no involvement from Thai officials. The crossings aimed to bypass military patrols and reach a monastery meeting point where transport awaited.

Among the detainees, one woman from Phichit province had left her nursing assistant job due to low income. She later applied for a job advertised online, offering 25,000 baht monthly to work in Poipet, Cambodia. Following instructions, she met at a hotel in Chanthaburi, before being led across the border on foot.

Thai authorities noted this incident underscores ongoing illegal border crossing risks and possible connections to online gambling and scams between Thailand and Cambodia. Investigations into the matter are continuing, reported Khaosod.

Key Takeaways

• Twelve Thai individuals were detained for illegally entering Cambodia and later returned to Thailand.

• A woman among the group was found to have severe anxiety due to her medical history.

• Authorities are investigating potential links to cross-border online gambling and scams.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-12