Thai authorities have reported the arrest of 17 Myanmar nationals, including a one-year-old child, for illegal border crossing in Kanchanaburi Province on March 21. According to Thai media sources, the group, which included six children in total, was apprehended following a pursuit operation that began at 00:30 hours when authorities attempted to stop a suspicious pickup truck in the province. The driver refused to stop for inspection and fled the scene, leading to a chase by Thai authorities.
The pursuit ended when the vehicle entered a forested area in Sanchaburi region, where the driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped on foot. Upon inspection of the vehicle, authorities discovered the 17 Myanmar nationals. During questioning, the detained individuals admitted to entering Thailand illegally through brokers, with each person paying 10,000 Thai Baht to facilitators for the crossing. The group was subsequently taken to Sanchaburi Police Station, where they were charged with illegal entry into the country.
Thai authorities have been intensifying their efforts to curb illegal border crossings from Myanmar, with particular attention being paid to cases involving minors. The presence of children in such incidents has raised concerns about potential human trafficking and other criminal activities. Officials have emphasized that they are conducting thorough investigations into these cases, especially when vulnerable individuals such as young children are involved. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by both Thai authorities and Myanmar nationals seeking to enter Thailand, as well as the risks associated with illegal border crossings facilitated by brokers and human smugglers.
