MAE SOT — Thai authorities apprehended 32 Indonesian nationals attempting to illegally cross the Myanmar-Thailand border in Tak province early Sunday morning, as they reportedly fled from increasing pressure on illegal businesses in Myanmar’s Myawaddy region.
The group, consisting of 30 men and two women, was intercepted at 12:30 a.m. on January 19 near Ban Wang Takian Tai village in Mae Sot district. The arrest was made during a joint patrol operation by the Ratchamanu Task Force, Mae Sot Police, Immigration Bureau, and local administrative officials.
During questioning, the individuals revealed they had been working in Myawaddy, Myanmar, but decided to leave their employment and attempt to return to Indonesia through Thailand. None of the detained individuals possessed valid border-crossing documentation.
Military intelligence sources indicated that the exodus might be linked to a recent crackdown on illegal businesses in Myawaddy. On January 15, 2025, leaders of the Border Guard Force (BGF) and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) held an emergency meeting with Chinese business operators in the Karen State region. The meeting reportedly established new stringent measures against transnational crime, fraud, and human trafficking operations.
According to sources, the new guidelines require businesses in Myawaddy to monitor and report suspicious activities, particularly those related to human trafficking and illegal financial operations. Businesses found violating these regulations face closure and expulsion from the area.
The detained individuals have been transferred to Mae Sot Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.
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