Desperate for survival: Thai authorities arrest 13 more Cambodian migrants caught sneaking into Thailand seeking work
Thai authorities arrested 13 Cambodian migrants illegally crossing into Chanthaburi Province seeking work due to economic collapse in Cambodia. A smuggler and local driver were also caught facilitating the border crossing for 5,000 baht per
Chanthaburi naval forces conducted intensive border patrols and arrested 13 Cambodian workers who admitted to illegally crossing into Thailand to escape poverty and unemployment caused by severe economic collapse in Cambodia, trekking through forests to enter the country.
On May 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., military personnel from Unit 526 (Ban Lam) and police from Ban Plaeng station in Chanthaburi jointly apprehended nine Cambodian nationals—five men and four women—who were trekking through forest terrain to illegally enter Thailand in the area of Sector 53, Moo 4, Thep Nimit Subdistrict, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province.
Preliminary investigation revealed that all migrants came from Banteay Meanchey and Prey Veng provinces without travel documents. They entered Thailand illegally because Cambodia offered no employment opportunities and severe economic hardship made survival unbearable. They decided to risk crossing the border hoping to find work in Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Chon Buri provinces.
On the same day, authorities also arrested Mr. Noom, 54 years old, along with four other Cambodian nationals—two men and two women. Noom was driving a pickup truck waiting to pick up the four Cambodian migrants at the forest edge. Investigation revealed that a Cambodian human smuggler had led the migrants through natural passage routes, charging 5,000 baht per person for transport services intended for work in Wang Sombun District, Sa Kaew Province. The smuggler had coordinated with Noom to pick them up at designated coordinates. Authorities have proceeded with legal prosecution.
