Rebel from Myanmar apprehended for involvement in human trafficking of migrants
In a significant development, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division of the Thai police has made an arrest in Kanchanaburi. The suspect, Phuri Lertchaiprachim, was apprehended on Saturday in Dan Makham Tia district.
The arrest followed a tip-off about a migrant smuggling ring in tambon Klondo. The police observed three pickup trucks, including a Mitsubishi Triton, a Ford Ranger, and an Isuzu D-Max, suspected of being used in this illegal activity.
In a shocking turn of events, one driver of the Mitsubishi Triton fled when officers approached, leaving the Ford Ranger in a forest. Investigations revealed that another driver had abandoned a Ford Ranger, leaving 11 migrants inside. Eleven migrants were found in the abandoned Ford Ranger, and another 10 were discovered inside the Isuzu D-Max truck, alongside Mr Phuri.
The total of 21 illegal migrants, who revealed they had travelled from Yangon in Myanmar through Dawei before entering Thailand via a natural crossing, now face charges of entering and staying in the kingdom without permission. Mr Phuri, during questioning, claimed he was hired on Facebook to pick up workers for 5,000 baht.
However, he was also charged with harboring and assisting illegal migrants. The migrants told police they each paid 20,000 baht to be smuggled into Samut Sakhon to work in factories.
The commander of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division of the police in Kanchanaburi is Pol. Col. Nithichai Chaiworasin. The migrants' journey from Myanmar to Thailand, as revealed by the migrants, further confirms the tip-off about a migrant smuggling ring in tambon Klondo.
This arrest is a testament to the Thai police's commitment to combating illegal migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities to aid in the ongoing fight against these crimes.
