Aranyaprathet: Soldiers have intensified security measures at the Aranyaprathet border following the arrest of a man attempting to crawl through a drainpipe to re-enter Thailand illegally. The man, identified as Mr. Apirak, aged 40, claimed he was suffering from lung disease and was coerced by his mother to work as a mule account holder on the Poipet side. In a related incident, 15 Cambodian workers, reportedly starving, attempted to cross into Sa Kaeo.

According to Thai News Agency, the Aranyaprathet Task Force and Rangers conducted joint patrols along the sensitive border region to curb illegal entries and prevent smuggling activities. During these patrols, Mr. Apirak was apprehended near the Ban Khlong Luek border checkpoint while attempting to crawl through a drainpipe. His arrest unveiled a tragic narrative, as he alleged that it was his mother who encouraged him to engage in this illegal activity.

Mr. Apirak explained that due to his health condition, he was persuaded by his mother, who had prior experience in the field, to open a bank account and undergo facial recognition procedures in Poipet, Cambodia. He was housed in a zinc room for several days to complete these tasks. Upon completion, a Thai employer arranged for his return, instructing him on how to navigate the drainpipe back into Thailand, which led to his arrest. Authorities have detained him at the Khlong Luek Police Station and plan to coordinate with relevant agencies for further legal proceedings.

Concurrently, 15 Cambodian nationals have been detained while attempting to enter Sa Kaeo. A group of nine was intercepted in Ban Dong Ngu, Pa Rai Subdistrict, with the individuals stating their previous employment as shoe repairers at Rong Kluea Market. Due to changes in border operation hours, they had preemptively returned to Cambodia and, finding themselves jobless, decided to traverse the forest and cross the border unaided.

In a separate incident, authorities apprehended a Cambodian family of six, including a toddler, as they crossed a sugarcane field in Tambon Khlong Nam Sai, Amphoe Aranyaprathet. The family had previously sold goods at Rong Kluea Market and sought to return to manage their shop, fearing damage to their merchandise. With their income depleted, they paid 4,000 baht each to facilitators to aid in their illicit border crossing.

These incidents highlight the dire circumstances faced by Cambodian workers, who are compelled to undertake perilous journeys to support their livelihoods amid ongoing border challenges.