Cambodian workers flooded the Sa Kaeo border, with a group of 18 caught hiding while trying to enter Thailand to seek employment in various areas including Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
On 26 Apr 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that the Thai-Cambodian border task force continues active surveillance and interception of illegal border crossings. The 13th Ranger Regiment assigned the 1301st Ranger Company to patrol and monitor the border area under their responsibility along Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo province.
During operations, officials reached a natural border crossing area between Thailand and Cambodia at Ban Non Phatthana, Village No. 13, Phan Suek subdistrict, Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. This is a high-risk point frequently used for illegal entry. They found a suspicious group on foot appearing to evade authorities.
The officials identified themselves to inspect and control the situation. Upon checking identification documents, all individuals were found to be Cambodian nationals who illegally entered Thailand without permission. The group comprised 18 people, nine men and nine women.
Preliminary questioning through an interpreter revealed that all detainees consistently stated they hired an unnamed Cambodian man as a guide to cross into Thailand, paying 8,000 baht each to avoid border checkpoints.
The group said that after entering Thailand, a vehicle would pick them up and take them to various destinations, but they did not know what type of vehicle or who would pick them up. Their goal was to find work in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces.
Officials disclosed that traffickers often lead migrants on foot through natural border paths at night or in low visibility to evade detection. However, increased patrol intensity has allowed authorities to detect and arrest these groups before transport networks can collect them.
Following the arrests, rangers detained all 18 Cambodians and handed them over to the Khlong Nam Sai Police Station for prosecution under immigration laws, coordinating with relevant agencies to proceed accordingly.
Security officials are continuing efforts to track down the brokers and networks behind the human trafficking operation, which violates laws and directly threatens border security.