Chanthaburi: Navy spokesperson explains the arrest of 30 Cambodian migrant workers for illegally entering the country. Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, clarified the case of the detection and arrest of Cambodian migrant workers illegally entering the country on January 11, 2026. The Chanthaburi and Trat Border Protection Command (CBPC), specifically the Chanthaburi Marine Corps Task Force, in collaboration with the investigative unit of Ban Plaeng Police Station and immigration officers at the Pong Nam Ron Immigration Checkpoint, apprehended 30 Cambodian migrant workers (10 men, 10 women, and 10 children), along with one facilitator and a vehicle. The arrests took place in Ban Laem Mai, Thep Nimit Subdistrict, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province, as they attempted to illegally enter the country through natural border crossings in Chanthaburi Province.
According to Thai News Agency, during the initial investigation, the suspect confessed that the main reason was the hardship of living and famine in Cambodia, a problem stemming from the sluggish economy and high unemployment rates. This has left some people without job opportunities, forcing them to flee the famine and seek work in Thailand, despite being aware of the risks posed by Thailand's continuously stringent border control and prevention measures.
The Royal Thai Navy, through its Marine Corps, continues to diligently and consistently perform its mission of defending and maintaining national sovereignty, preventing illegal immigration, and combating transnational crimes. Following detention, Thai military personnel provided humanitarian care to those arrested, supplying food, water, and appropriate basic medical care. They treated everyone with courtesy, respect, and without discrimination. All procedures were conducted in accordance with Thai law and strictly adhered to human rights principles, particularly the full implementation of the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act B.E. 2565 (2022), from detention and care during custody to handover to investigators for further legal proceedings.
The Royal Thai Navy recognizes that illegal immigration is a problem interconnected with humanitarian, economic, and security dimensions. Therefore, it has integrated cooperation with relevant security and civilian agencies to maintain order at the border and prevent Thailand from becoming a target for human trafficking and the exploitation of the poor.
The Royal Thai Navy Spokesperson's Office confirms that the Royal Thai Navy will continue to perform its duties with strength, prudence, and humanity to maintain national security, public safety, and the appropriate image of Thailand on the international stage.