BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has launched heightened enforcement efforts to block transnational criminal groups from entering Thailand, following the recent arrest of 45 foreign nationals attempting to cross the border illegally into Tak province. The operation, carried out in coordination with military units, was based on intelligence pointing to increased movement of foreign gangs fleeing crackdowns in neighboring countries.
Initial questioning revealed that several of those detained were linked to call-center scam operations and were trying to use Thailand as a hiding place or to regroup and continue their criminal activities. Authorities have classified such attempts as a direct threat to national security and have tightened screening and patrols along all borders.
All individuals found to have entered the country unlawfully will be processed under the National Referral Mechanism. This tool allows authorities to distinguish between trafficking victims and criminal offenders. Those identified as perpetrators will be prosecuted under Thai law and deported after serving their sentences.
Police are also expanding investigations to trace smuggling routes and dismantle the broader networks that facilitate illegal entry. Border control has been reinforced at all land, sea, and air points of entry, with increased checks on forged documents, identity fraud, and misuse of Thai identification cards—methods commonly used by cross-border criminal groups.
The RTP has urged the public to report suspicious activities, including unusual housing arrangements or group movements potentially linked to illegal migration or criminal operations. (NNT)
