Thai authorities have confirmed the arrest of 17 Myanmar nationals, including a one-year-old child, for illegal border crossing in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province. Among those detained were six children, alongside adults. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of March 21. According to Thai officials, a road checkpoint team attempted to stop a suspicious pickup truck in Kanchanaburi province, but the driver fled instead of stopping for inspection.
Following a pursuit, the vehicle entered a forested area in Sanchaburi region, where the driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped. Upon inspection of the vehicle, Thai authorities discovered the Myanmar nationals. During questioning, the detained individuals admitted to entering Thailand illegally through human trafficking brokers, with each person paying 10,000 Thai Baht for the journey. All arrestees have been transferred to the Sanchaburi Police Station and charged with illegal border crossing.
The authorities are currently investigating the human trafficking network connected to this case. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of illegal border crossings and human trafficking along the Thai-Myanmar border, particularly involving vulnerable individuals including young children. Thai law enforcement officials have stated that they will continue their efforts to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking operations in the border regions, while ensuring proper legal procedures are followed for those detained.
