February 16Feb 16 Eight illegal Chinese migrants were arrested by highway police near the Cambodian border in Thailand's eastern province. The arrest took place on highway 359 in Sri Maha Phot district, where authorities stopped a Toyota vehicle carrying the migrants and a large number of mobile devices. The vehicle, driven by a Thai man named Chonlathit, was flagged for its heavily tinted windows and suspiciously heavy load.Get today's headlines by email The incident occurred Sunday morning and involved eight Chinese nationals, most lacking official identification documents. Only one migrant, a Chinese woman, had a passport, which police found had an expired visa. Additionally, a Myanmar national in the vehicle possessed a passport but lacked a visa stamp. The police confiscated 283 mobile phones, 118 charging cables, two notebook computers, and accessories from nine backpacks found inside the vehicle.The driver, Chonlathit, admitted he was paid 10,000 baht to transport the passengers from Watthana Nakhon in Sa Kaeo to a hotel in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani. Further investigations led police to the hotel, where they discovered five additional Myanmar nationals without official identification. The seized mobile phones have been impounded for further investigation, as authorities suspect involvement in criminal activities. The case underscores ongoing issues with illegal immigration and smuggling in the region., reported Bangkok Post.Key TakeawaysEight Chinese migrants lacking legal documentation were arrested.Police seized 283 mobile phones during the search.Authorities found more undocumented individuals at a nearby hotel.Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Bangkok Post · 16 Feb 2026 View full record
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