48 Bangladeshi/Myanmar immigrants found in Phuket
A group of 48 immigrants, consisting of 19 men and 29 women, was taken into safe custody after being found walking along roads in northern Phuket and in Tha Nun, Phang Nga province, early yesterday, January 21.
The group is believed to have travelled by boat from Bangladesh or Myanmar. Tha Chatchai police at the northern tip of Phuket were alerted by residents around 6am, who noticed unusual groups of people walking in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered three groups of individuals, each about 10 minutes apart. Initial questioning confirmed that the individuals were not Thai nationals and had been transported by boat to Tha Nun Pier in the Khok Kloi subdistrict, Takua Pa district, Phang Nga. After disembarking, the group split, one heading towards Phuket and the other further into Phang Nga.
Local police quickly coordinated with various agencies, including immigration and social development officers. Support was also provided by the Marine Police, the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command in Phuket, and the Phuket branch of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC 3) to ensure the situation was handled according to legal and humanitarian standards.
Wiwat Jindapon, a former vice-president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation Council and a member of the working group of the deputy minister of interior, mentioned that villagers initially reported seeing strangers near Wat Mai Khao Beach. Some individuals fled when police arrived, but many were brought to the Phuket checkpoint at Tha Chatchai for further inspection.
Through an interpreter, the group explained they had left Bangladesh by fishing boat aiming to reach another country, believed to be Malaysia. However, due to complications during their journey, they ended up on the coast near Myanmar. Fearing capture, they reportedly walked along the coastline for over five days before reaching Tha Chatchai Beach.
The group was found in a weak and malnourished state, having been without food or water for several days. Immediate assistance, including food, water, and medical care, was provided. Villagers were encouraged to report any further sightings of strangers to the police.
Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun stressed that the case is being addressed with humanitarian principles. Police, with the help of the Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, are working to determine the nationalities and identities of the individuals. The investigation continues as officials coordinate efforts to care for and determine the next steps for these individuals under Thai law, reported The Phuket News.
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