The investigation unit of the Chiang Saen Immigration checkpoint expanded its probe into an illegal migrant smuggling ring, arresting a man from Chiang Rai who was smuggling Chinese nationals into the country illegally. He claimed he was paid only 2,000 baht per trip.
At 07:00 on 3 May 2026, Pol. Col. Pattharapong Inwana, chief of the Chiang Saen Immigration checkpoint, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Kritwat Amnat, deputy chief, and Pol. Lt. Col. Chuleekorn Limwisesak, chief investigator, led a team to arrest 33-year-old Tai Boontham from Chiang Rai Province on charges of assisting or concealing foreign nationals known to have entered the kingdom illegally to evade arrest.
Also arrested were two Chinese nationals, 36-year-old Xie Jia and 30-year-old Pan Xijia, charged with entering and residing in the kingdom without permission. Seized as evidence were a white pickup truck with registration plate กบ 5611 Phetchabun and two mobile phones.
This followed an investigation by the Chiang Saen Immigration crackdown unit into an illegal migrant smuggling ring operating in Chiang Saen district. Authorities obtained intelligence on the suspect smuggling foreign laborers and informed superiors, who planned a checkpoint operation. The arrest occurred at around 22:00 on 2 May on Highway 1129, Village No. 9, Wiang Subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province.
Tai Boontham stated he was paid only 2,000 baht per trip. The two Chinese nationals said they were unaware of the details and that their associates handled the illegal entry arrangements.
However, police learned that the smuggling fee for illegal entry was actually 20,000 baht per person.
The suspects were then handed over to investigators at Chiang Saen Police Station to proceed with legal action.