Sa kaeo: Burapha forces arrested a transnational human trafficking network at the Sa Kaeo border, arresting the entire gang of 19 people along with methamphetamine pills. Officers from the Burapha Task Force, Aranyaprathet Task Force, and the 12th Ranger Regiment’s control unit intercepted a people smuggling operation in Ban Non Khi Lek, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, and apprehended a total of 19 individuals. While patrolling the area, officers encountered a suspicious group heading toward the border. They apprehended them for questioning and discovered a large group of both Thais and foreigners. The suspect, identified as 47-year-old Thawee, was identified as the Thai male smuggler. A search of the area uncovered 0.385 grams of crystal methamphetamine and two methamphetamine pills hidden in his shoulder bag. Additional drug-related charges were filed.

According to Thai News Agency, the remaining 18 people were illegal immigrants (15 Thais, 3 Myanmar). Fifteen Thais confessed to wanting to illegally enter Cambodia to work illegally in various forms, most of them targeting online gambling websites. Interestingly, some claimed to have been persuaded to open bank accounts and have their faces scanned, without any border crossing fees, a new form of deception to break the law. Three Myanmar nationals (1 male, 2 females) confessed to wanting to travel to Thailand to work as seamstresses, paying a Myanmar broker 250,000 kyat each, or approximately 3,956 baht, but were apprehended while illegally entering the country.

Officials have handed over all 19 individuals to immigration officials in Sa Kaeo Province and Khlong Nam Sai Police Station to expand their investigation into the human trafficking network and prosecute them.