The Navy tightened border security and detained 67 Cambodian workers, revealing that most fled hunger and unemployment, risking their lives to enter Thailand illegally.
On 3 Jan 2026, Rear Admiral Parat Rattanachaiphan, Navy spokesperson, stated that the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command continues strict and ongoing surveillance and control along the border area to protect national sovereignty and security, and to prevent threats from infiltrating individuals or groups that could disrupt public order and safety.
At 05:00, the Chanthaburi Marine Task Force integrated forces with police and immigration officers to arrest 67 Cambodian migrant workers—35 men, 25 women, and 7 children—in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province, as they illegally crossed into the kingdom on foot.
Operations were conducted strictly according to legal procedures and respected the human dignity of detainees under the Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance Act, B.E. 2565 (2022). Particularly for women and children, authorities provided appropriate initial humanitarian care, including water, food, and first aid, before transferring them to Ban Plaeng Police Station for legal processing and repatriation.
Preliminary questioning revealed all detainees are Cambodian nationals facing severe hardship, job scarcity, and insufficient income to support their families. They decided to risk illegal entry into Thailand seeking work for survival. This reflects structural and governance problems in their home country, causing many citizens to face hunger and lack of options.
Illegal entry threatens state security and social safety and may expose migrants to exploitation by transnational criminal networks. Therefore, the Navy must enforce the law firmly while acting with care, humanity, and respect for human rights principles.
The Navy affirms it will continue to firmly defend the country along the borders to maintain national security and prevent enemy infiltration, while showing understanding of humanitarian concerns and supporting sustainable solutions through appropriate international cooperation mechanisms.