Thai police arrest two for smuggling 10 Chinese immigrants

Police in Mukdahan province arrested two Thai nationals for smuggling 10 Chinese immigrants into the country. The suspects drove a pickup truck, packed with the immigrants in the back, through a police checkpoint, damaging the barrier. A search of the driver revealed a 9mm firearm and two bullets.

Yesterday, September 5, under the directive of Police Major General Chatchai Wongsuna, Provincial Police Chief of Mukdahan, Police Lieutenant Colonel Decha Velluwanarak received a tip-off about the illegal smuggling operation.

Acting on this information, he ordered Deputy Police Lieutenant Colonel Wasit Mueangnam, Lieutenant Colonel Decha Velluwanarak, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Tawisak Sonchan to coordinate with Mukdahan immigration police. They planned the operation within the jurisdiction of Pa Rai Police Station, Don Tan district, Mukdahan, near the border with Yasothon province.

The officers set up a surveillance team and patrols along the suspected smuggling route. The Pa Rai Police Station established checkpoints and roadblocks in the area, while the investigation team positioned themselves along the anticipated escape path.

At around 10pm yesterday, Lt. Col. Decha spotted a blue Isuzu pickup truck, registration บล 4389 Mahasarakham, driving along the route from Don Tan district, Mukdahan, towards Loeng Nok Tha district, Yasothon.

Upon reaching the checkpoint, the truck rammed through the police barrier at high speed, causing damage, and fled. The officers pursued the vehicle until it reached the road between Ban Napong and Ban Pongkham, Pa Rai district, where they successfully stopped it. Inside the truck, they found 10 Chinese immigrants who had been smuggled into Thailand.

The driver was identified as 57 year old Nampol, also known as Jan Kee Butthijak, and the passenger as Nattapol, also known as 23 year old man Chueaphan. During a search of Nampol, officers discovered a Glock 19 pistol, serial number กท 54246132, a magazine, and two 9mm bullets concealed in his shoulder bag. The pickup truck’s back contained the ten Chinese immigrants, who were crammed together.

Police charged Nampol and Nattapol with assisting, hiding, or aiding in any way for the escape of illegal immigrants from arrest. The 10 Chinese immigrants were charged with being illegal immigrants, reported KhaoSod.

Additionally, Nampol faced an extra charge for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a permit. Both suspects, along with the evidence, were handed over to investigators at Pa Rai Police Station for further legal proceedings.