PHAYAO — 23 April 2026, Authorities in northern Thailand have detained 63 undocumented migrants from Myanmar found hiding in a rented house in Phayao province, officials said.
The raid took place at 15:30 in Mae Tam subdistrict, Mueang district, following earlier arrests by local police that pointed to a larger smuggling operation.
The operation was ordered by Mueang Phayao district chief Somchai Wongjiriyakasem and involved a multi-agency task force, including provincial police, immigration officers, labour officials and internal security personnel. The teams were screening for potential links to forced labour and human trafficking.
Officials said those detained comprised 33 men and 30 women from several ethnic groups, including Pa-O, Shan and Karen. Three minors under the age of 18 were also among them.
Initial questioning indicated the group had entered Thailand illegally via Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai province, assisted by brokers identified as “Sam” and “Palm”. They were transported in stages by vans and cars and held in the house while awaiting onward travel to destinations in Bangkok and near railway lines in Phitsanulok province.
The migrants said they paid brokers between 8,500 and 10,000 baht each. Although some held border passes, they lacked valid entry permits under Thai law.
All adults face charges of illegal entry and have been handed over to investigators at Mueang Phayao police station for legal proceedings.
The three minors will be transferred to a provincial children and family welfare centre for protection and assessment, including potential trafficking concerns, before eventual repatriation, officials said.
