Three Trucks Held Smuggling 112 Migrants in Kanchanaburi

Pictures courtesy of MGR

Authorities in Kanchanaburi province detained three pickup trucks used to smuggle 112 undocumented migrants in the early hours of 29 January 2026, with one of the alleged drivers identified as a 16-year-old. The operation disrupted a trafficking route along the Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir in Thong Pha Phum district and led to the detention of suspects and migrants for legal processing.

The arrests followed a tip-off received by provincial officials indicating a large group of Myanmar nationals would be transported by boat across the reservoir before being moved by road. At about 02:00, Kanchanaburi governor Warittha Sa-nguansermsri, deputy governor Wutthipong Suphakwanit and Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Phasawin Rueangphu were informed of the suspected movement.

Local administration officers, territorial defence volunteers, village leaders, the military’s Surasee Task Force and Border Patrol Police were deployed to intercept the convoy. Officers spotted three covered pickup trucks travelling together near Tha Phae village, tambon Tha Khanun, matching the description provided by informants.

When signalled to stop, the drivers abandoned their vehicles and attempted to flee into nearby forest. Two suspects were apprehended, while a third escaped. Those arrested were identified as Aviroot, or “Ice”, aged 25, from Phra Thaen subdistrict in Tha Maka district, and a 16-year-old youth from Tha Khanun in Thong Pha Phum district.

A search of two trucks revealed 112 male and female migrants concealed in cramped conditions. A third vehicle was found to be carrying more than 170 backpacks belonging to the migrants. The suspects told police they had rented the vehicles from Phetchaburi province and were paid between 2,000 and 4,000 baht per trip, claiming this was their third operation.

Police said Aviroot tested positive for drugs and admitted using ketamine while driving. The migrants, interviewed through interpreters, said they had travelled from Yangon and Mawlamyine, crossed the border illegally in Sangkhla Buri district, and then boarded long-tail boats across the reservoir.

They stated their intended destinations were Bangkok and Rayong, with some planning onward travel to Malaysia. Each migrant reportedly paid brokers between 20,000 and 30,000 baht for the journey. All suspects were handed to investigators at Thong Pha Phum police station, while the migrants were processed under immigration procedures.

Manager online reported that the case highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to combat human smuggling networks operating along natural border routes. Officials said further investigation would focus on identifying organisers and pursuing the escaped suspect.

Key Takeaways

• Authorities intercepted three pickup trucks carrying 112 undocumented migrants in Thong Pha Phum district.

• Two suspects were arrested, including a 16-year-old, while one driver escaped.

• Migrants said they paid up to 30,000 baht each to brokers for transport into Thailand.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGRonline 2026-01-30