Authorities Arrest 45 Illegal Myanmar Workers in Kanchanaburi Forest
Authorities arrested 45 undocumented Myanmar workers hiding in a Kanchanaburi forest after crossing the border illegally; they paid smugglers 25,000 to 45,000 baht each for transport to Malaysia or Thai cities.
Local administration in Thong Pha Phum district rounded up 45 undocumented Myanmar workers sheltering in a forest community at Ban Gering Krawia. The workers admitted they were heading to Malaysia with smuggling fees of 45,000 baht per person, while others aimed for Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chon Buri at 25,000 baht each.
On August 7, 2025, Kanchanaburi provincial leadership received a tip from a local resident about suspicious individuals in the forest area of Ban Gering Krawia village, Cha-let subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum district. Following the report, authorities dispatched a team led by Yongyut Sawengsuk, the district security officer, along with village headman Pachon Kuntama, village assistants, and village safety volunteers to investigate. Upon arrival at the location, they discovered a large group of male and female Myanmar workers sheltering under makeshift tents from the rain. Officers surrounded and arrested all 45 individuals—27 men and 18 women, aged between 18 and 40.
Initial investigation revealed they had crossed the border on foot through natural passages along the frontier near Phya Thong Soo District in Myanmar, adjacent to Phra Chedi Sam Ong. After entering Thailand, they evaded Thai security checkpoints and were transported by smugglers via boat across Wachiralongkorn Dam reservoir into Thong Pha Phum district. They then hid in the forest community to await vehicle transportation. Some paid smugglers 45,000 baht per person to reach Malaysia, while others paid 25,000 baht each to reach jobs in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chon Buri. All suspects have been handed to Thong Pha Phum Police Station for legal proceedings.
