CHANTHABURI, Thailand – Thai authorities detained 99 Cambodian nationals on Friday for attempting to cross the border illegally, citing severe economic hardship and food shortages in their home country as the primary drivers for the migration.
A joint task force of navy personnel, immigration officers, and local officials intercepted the group at approximately 6:00 a.m. in the Pong Nam Ron district of Chanthaburi province, following overnight surveillance of natural border crossings.
The group consisted of 52 men, 37 women, and 10 children, according to Rear Admiral RAdm Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy.
Initial investigations revealed that these individuals traveled from deep within the country to escape a severe economic crisis, Parach said. They reported having no work, no income, and facing acute food shortages, leaving them unable to sustain their livelihoods.
Security forces have intensified patrols and nighttime surveillance along the Chanthaburi-Trat border in response to persistent illegal migration.
Officials confirmed that the detainees will be handed over to immigration authorities and local police for further legal action. (TNA)
