Sa kaeo: A Cambodian national was apprehended for illegally crossing into Thailand, revealing his struggle to make a sustainable living in Cambodia. Due to dissatisfaction with his income, he decided to cross the border.

According to Thai News Agency, the Khlong Hat Task Force, in coordination with the 13th Military District (1302nd Military Company), the Khlong Hat Task Force’s Military Intelligence Unit, and the 11th Military Support Unit, conducted patrols in sensitive areas to prevent illegal border crossings by foreign workers. These operations took place between October 2009 and October 2010, focusing on the coordinates at TV 126792, Siam Tubtim Co., Ltd. 05, Village No. 10, Khlong Kai Thuen Subdistrict, Khlong Hat District, Sa Kaeo Province.

During the operation, the task force discovered a group of fifteen Cambodians, consisting of eight males and seven females, in addition to five accompanying persons, including two males and three females, who had illegally entered Thailand. Upon questioning, it was revealed that the Cambodian workers originated from Banteay Meanchey Province and were en route to seek employment further inland. Each individual reportedly paid 6,000 baht for their travel expenses. The detainees were subsequently transferred to Khlong Hat Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Leading the operation, Colonel Bancha Chalat of the Khlong Hat Task Force, gathered insights from the Cambodian immigrants, learning that their inadequate quality of life and income in Cambodia drove them to illegally enter Thailand in search of better opportunities.