Two Lao Nationals Arrested for Illegal Entry in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI — On February 18, 2026, Immigration police in Chiang Mai arrested two Lao nationals who illegally entered Thailand through a natural border crossing, officials reported. Pol. Col. Pitakpong Charoenkul, superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration, and Lt. Col. Nattaphon Chumbuathong, deputy superintendent, launched an investigation into the immigration law violations. An investigative team from Chiang Mai Immigration, collaborating with Immigration Division 5 officers, inspected high-risk locations in Nong Hoi subdistrict, Mueang district. The two suspects were arrested for entering and residing in Thailand without permission and were informed of their charges and legal rights before being taken into custody. Both men admitted to entering Thailand via a natural border route in late January, traveling to Chiang Mai in search of work. They were transferred to Chiang Mai Immigration for processing and deportation under Section 54 of the Immigration Act. Chiang Mai Immigration encouraged the public to contact their office with any additional information.