Songkhla Immigration, Tourist Police Chase Illegal Immigrant Convoy to Malaysia
Songkhla Immigration officers, working with tourist police, intercepted a convoy transporting an undocumented Chinese national from Cambodia to Malaysia after a high‑speed chase along Asian Highway Route 2. The driver, two accomplices, and the migrant were arrested and charged with people‑smuggling offenses. Authorities are coordinating with Chinese security to verify the migrant’s background and may deport him, while urging the public to report tips via hotline 1178.
Pol. Lt. Col. Charoenphong Kantilo, spokesperson for Immigration Bureau 6, said the operation followed directives from National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Sanphorn Nuanla, routed through senior immigration officials, to curb people‑smuggling networks nationwide and pursue those who assist undocumented foreigners. Under the direction of Immigration Bureau 6 Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Chutharet Yingyongdangsakul and his deputies, Pol. Lt. Col. Suttichorn Iam‑la‑o, head of Songkhla Immigration, led an investigative team after learning that a Chinese‑national smuggling ring was using Thailand as a transit point from Cambodia to Malaysia. Joint teams from Songkhla Immigration and the Tourist Police Division 3’s investigative unit scanned known illegal‑worker routes and spotted two cars traveling at high speed toward Hat Yai. Officers pursued the vehicles along Asian Highway Route 2 for over 40 kilometres, intercepting the rear car on Lopburi Ramasri Road in Khlong Haet sub‑district, Hat Yai. The driver, identified as Ms. Ai, 35, and passenger Ms. Lalita, 35, confessed to transporting a Chinese man, Mr. Yang, 41, who lacked a passport and was concealed in the back seat, intending to deliver him to a resort in Hat Yai for a fee of 1,000 baht. A third Thai man, Mr. Songkran, 29, who had been acting as a scout, was apprehended at a nearby petrol station after a pre‑arranged meeting. All four suspects were charged with providing shelter and assistance to undocumented foreigners to evade arrest. The Chinese national told police he had entered Thailand illegally from Cambodia and sought work in Malaysia. Officers coordinated with Chinese security authorities to verify his background and potential outstanding warrants, preparing for deportation if required. The spokesperson added that the smuggling operation had been conducted professionally, using scout vehicles to monitor routes, and that Immigration Bureau 6 has been ordered to expand the investigation to catch additional offenders. Members of the public can report tips or complaints about illegal immigration via the Immigration Bureau hotline 1178.
