Thai Marines Seize Smuggled Cigarettes, Phone Cases at Cambodia Border
Thai marine infantry seized three sacks containing smuggled foreign cigarettes and dozens of mobile‑phone cases along the Thai‑Cambodian border in Chanthaburi province. The goods had been thrown across the fence and were discovered after a tip‑off; suspects escaped under cover of darkness. Authorities coordinated with customs, police and immigration to investigate and vowed to increase border patrols.
Marine infantry set up an ambush along the border's barbed‑wire fence and seized a large haul of smuggled foreign cigarettes and mobile‑phone cases that had been thrown across the Thai‑Cambodian frontier. On 6 October 2024, Commander Veerachat Khayantham of the 2nd Marine Ranger Control Unit reported the results of a strict crackdown after receiving a tip about illicit goods. Joint forces from the unit’s intelligence team and the 526th Marine Ranger Company found three large red plastic sacks taped shut and hidden near the fence; although the suspects had fled, the sacks were confiscated and later inspected with customs, police and immigration officers, revealing numerous branded cigarette cartons and many phone cases intended for illegal entry into Thailand. The seized items were recorded and handed over to investigators for further legal action, and authorities ordered increased scanning along the border to prevent future smuggling attempts.
