Myanmar teens busted in Prachuap for no ID during Songkran
A group of Myanmar teens hoping to enjoy Thailand’s wild Songkran festivities got more than they bargained for — ending their water fight with a police escort instead of a party.
Yesterday, April 16, police in Prachuap Khiri Khan detained 10 Myanmar nationals, all teenagers and young adults, for entering the city to join the Songkran celebrations without any identification documents.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Prawit Chinwong, Deputy Inspector for Suppression at Mueang Prachuap Police Station, led the operation.
Officers from the suppression unit stopped two pick-up trucks carrying the group, who were fully geared for Songkran fun, with water guns and large 200-litre water tanks loaded in the back.
The group, which included both male and female teens aged between 14 and early 20s, had travelled from Bang Saphan district to the provincial capital to join the festival. However, their plans took a turn when police discovered none of them had the required documentation to stay or travel within Thailand.
“Initial checks showed they lacked any form of identification or legal permission to be in the country,” said Pol. Lt. Col. Prawit.
Police contacted the group’s employers to verify their status. Only two of the 10 were confirmed to have valid documentation. The remaining eight were unreachable and failed to provide any legal paperwork.
As a result, police filed charges for illegal entry into Thailand. The group was taken into custody, and arrest records were forwarded to investigators for formal legal proceedings.
However, police added that the outcome could change if employers provide proper documents. In such a case, charges would be downgraded to failing to carry identification, a minor offence punishable by a fine of up to 1,000 baht per person, reported KhaoSod.
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny during the Songkran period, with local police cracking down on illegal entry, unsafe travel, and public safety violations.
As one of Thailand’s busiest holidays, Songkran often sees a spike in travel-related incidents, prompting police to remain on high alert.
Police reminded all foreign nationals residing or working in Thailand to carry valid ID and legal documents at all times, or risk more than just missing the party.
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