Thai Navy arrests 12 Cambodians 'entering country illegally through natural border routes'

The Thai Navy arrested 12 Cambodians allegedly entering Thailand illegally through natural border routes.

Officers detained the suspected illegal migrants in two separate operations in Chanthaburi, on June 4.

Ten suspects were caught before dawn while crossing from Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey at around 3:30 am local time.

They said they were planning to work as construction labourers in Pathum Thani, reportedly paying 3,000 baht each to a smuggler who guided them across the border.

Later that afternoon, a Cambodian man and woman were caught in the same area with crystal meth among their belongings. They also allegedly tested positive for narcotics.

The pair said they came from Battambang province in Cambodia to work in fruit orchards in Chanthaburi.

All suspects were handed over to the local police for further legal proceedings.

Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan said economic hardship and limited job opportunities in neighbouring countries drove illegal border crossings into Thailand.

He added: 'Illegal border crossings are not just a labour issue but also a gateway for drug trafficking and other transnational crimes. This is why the Royal Thai Navy must continue enforcing strict border control measures.

'This incident is clear evidence that border areas under the Navy's responsibility remain tightly controlled.'

Thailand remains a key destination for migrant workers from neighbouring countries, resulting in continued attempts to cross illegally into border provinces.