Sa kaeo: Police authorities in Thailand are actively coordinating with various agencies to facilitate the return of Thai citizens from Cambodia, ensuring that all returnees will be accepted back into the country. The initiative involves thorough preparations and collaboration between cyber police, military personnel, and local administrative bodies.
According to Thai News Agency, the discussions were led by prominent figures including Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutr, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sarayut Junnawat, Pol. Maj. Gen. Songklod Krikkritya, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Thaworn Dulyawit, alongside officers from the Sa Kaeo Provincial Police. They gathered at the Aranyaprathet Police Station to outline measures for receiving Thai citizens and to assess the readiness of the Ban Khlong Luek border crossing.
The meeting resulted in several key resolutions. Authorities emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among all involved agencies to manage the return process efficiently. Immigration and related units are tasked with accommodating the influx of returnees, ensuring that no numerical limitations are imposed.
A crucial aspect of the plan includes rigorous screening procedures for individuals returning to Thailand. Those with outstanding arrest warrants or previous charges will be identified and prosecuted accordingly. Biometric verification will be conducted using resources from the Immigration Bureau and Crime Suppression Division. Advanced digital tools, such as cellebrite, will be utilized to compile a database of returnees for further tracking and legal processes.
Currently, a significant number of Thais, over 100, are reported to be waiting at the Cambodian border, eager to return home. However, they face challenges as Cambodian authorities have not yet established a policy for their release. The estimated number of Thais wishing to return is around 7-8 thousand, many of whom coordinated their return via social media platforms. Discussions are ongoing in Poipet regarding their release.
In preparation, authorities are inspecting facilities and setting up operational centers, such as the Sa Kaeo Provincial Police Headquarters. The gymnasium at Burapha University, Sa Kaeo Campus, will serve as a screening venue to identify human trafficking victims and process individuals involved in legal offenses. Daily meetings will be held to monitor and adjust strategies as needed.