Sangkhlaburi: Soldiers from Task Force Lad Ya apprehended 43 illegal migrant workers in the forest of Sangkhlaburi. The group, consisting of Myanmar nationals, had paid a significant sum to a broker with the hope of securing employment in Malaysia. However, their journey was cut short by the vigilant efforts of the Lad Ya Task Force.
According to Thai News Agency, Major General Natthapong Aswinwong, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division and Commander of the Surasee Task Force, along with Ms. Warittha Sanguansermsri, Governor of Kanchanaburi, highlighted intelligence reports that pointed to a major smuggling operation across the border into Thailand. Acting on this intelligence, Colonel Pannasak Priewpanich, Commander of the 29th Infantry Regiment and Commander of the Lad Ya Task Force, coordinated with Border Patrol Police Company 134, Sangkhlaburi Police Station, Sangkhlaburi District Administration, and other patrol units to monitor suspected areas.
The operation, conducted at 8:30 AM, led to the discovery of a large group concealed in the hillside of Ban Yang Khao, Village No. 4, Prang Phlo Subdistrict. The group comprised 34 men and 9 women, none of whom spoke Thai or possessed valid identification documents.
Through an interpreter, the detainees disclosed that they had journeyed from Phayathongsu, Myanmar, infiltrating Thailand via natural routes near Ban Bo Japan, Sangkhlaburi District. They avoided checkpoints by utilizing natural land and water pathways, intending to pay a broker 20,000 baht each for passage to Malaysia. However, their plans were thwarted when they were intercepted by authorities in Thailand before reaching their intended destination.