SAKAEO — Thai security forces have arrested 16 Cambodian nationals for illegally entering Thailand through natural border routes in Sakaeo province, after paying brokers 7,500 baht per person in hopes of finding work in the country.
The operation took place on 20 April, 2026, when the Burapha Task Force, together with immigration officers from Sakaeo, were patrolling the Thai-Cambodian border near Ban Phu Nam Kliang in Aranyaprathet district. Troops spotted a group of people walking through a natural channel and moved in to intercept them.
A total of 16 suspects — nine men and seven women — were detained. Some were found carrying passports, while others had no identification documents and had not passed legal immigration procedures.
During questioning, the group said most had previously worked in construction jobs in Thailand, including in Bangkok’s Min Buri area and Chon Buri province, earning daily wages of around 300–700 baht before returning to Cambodia.
However, they claimed they were unable to find work and were facing difficult living conditions in Cambodia, prompting them to attempt re-entry into Thailand for employment.
They said they contacted a Cambodian broker identified only as “Muy” via Messenger app, agreeing to pay 7,500 baht each for illegal border crossing arrangements, with payment to be made upon arrival in Thailand.
The group said that on the evening of 19 April, they were transported by taxi to a border area in Cambodia before being guided by two Cambodian facilitators on foot through natural routes into Thailand. They were then instructed to cross Highway 3446 (Sri Pen Road), where they were eventually intercepted by Thai patrol units. The facilitators reportedly escaped.
Authorities have handed over all 16 suspects to investigators for prosecution on charges of illegal entry into the country. Police are also expanding the investigation to identify the smuggling network and others involved.
Security agencies said border patrols in Sakaeo will remain intensified to prevent illegal crossings and suppress transnational human smuggling operations.
