Thai police halt illegal migrant smuggling in dramatic Phetchabun chase
A dramatic chase unfolded yesterday, December 26, as police pursued a group smuggling illegal migrant workers in Thailand. Two vehicles, packed with a total of 26 individuals, were intercepted in Phetchabun, revealing an illicit operation that charged 1,000 baht per head.
Police officer Warabodin Lertsupasinstit, leading the Highway Police Division 5, was alerted to a potential smuggling attempt involving migrants from Myanmar. Acting on this tip-off, law enforcement officers from Phetchabun and Division 1 set up a checkpoint on Route 12.
Their vigilance paid off when they spotted two suspicious vehicles – a white Fortuner with registration จว-7116 from Chon Buri and a bronze Toyota Vigo with registration บร-3076 from Kamphaeng Phet.
Upon approaching the vehicles, drivers attempted to flee, sparking a tense chase. The officers successfully intercepted both vehicles in Khao Kho district, Phetchabun, where they found the vehicles crammed with migrants.
In the bronze Toyota Vigo, 10 Myanmar nationals were found packed tightly, while the white Fortuner contained a further 16 individuals, comprising both men and women.
During questioning, the drivers, 42 year old Jeuh and 31 year old Chuchat, confessed to their involvement in the smuggling operation. They admitted to being hired to transport the migrants from Myanmar, through Tak province, ultimately destined for Saraburi.
They described the route they took, which included Highway 12, and acknowledged receiving a payment of 1,000 baht (US$30) per person for their services. However, their plans were thwarted by the police before they could reach their final destination.
The officers acted on a tip-off about a smuggling operation, which enabled them to successfully apprehend the suspects, explained a police spokesperson, reported KhaoSod.
The detained individuals, including the drivers, were subsequently taken to the Khao Kho Police Station for further legal proceedings.
In related news, a dramatic police chase unfolded on December 18 on Highway 340 in Suphan Buri, resulting in the arrest of a Thai driver smuggling eight illegal migrants from Myanmar into Bangkok. The incident began on December 18, when highway police, led by Somkid Yamthip, noticed a suspiciously slow-moving van.
