Thai authorities arrest 8 Myanmar nationals and truck driver for smuggling at Mae Sot border

According to reports from Thailand, on November 16 at around 3 PM, Thai authorities arrested eight Myanmar nationals and a Thai truck driver who were attempting to smuggle the Myanmar nationals hidden beneath an 18-wheeler truck transporting goods to Myawady, Myanmar.

The arrest occurred at the Thai-Myanmar border, as the Myanmar nationals attempted to enter Thailand through the Mae Sot-Myawady Friendship Bridge No. 2.

The Thai border guards apprehended them during a routine inspection aimed at preventing illegal entry of foreign nationals into Thailand.

The incident happened as the border patrol unit in Mae Sot District, part of five districts under surveillance, was checking an 18-wheeler returning from Myawady. During the inspection, eight Myanmar nationals were found hidden under the truck disguised as part of the timber cargo.

Thai authorities in Mae Sot District arrested the truck driver and confiscated the vehicle. Among the eight Myanmar nationals found on the truck, there were six men and two women. They are now being held at the Mae Sot police station, where legal action will be taken against them in accordance with the law.