To implement the Thai government's emergency policy on combating online fraud and transnational crime, the National Police Agency announced on April 29 the results of the second round of the nationwide "Human Snake Terminator" operation. This operation focused on illegal entry, smuggling, and foreign labor issues, aiming to strengthen border management and eradicate underground human smuggling networks.
According to official reports, from April 22 to 26, the police set up 60 checkpoints nationwide, executed 34 arrest warrants, and successfully arrested 32 suspects (25 arrested, 1 dead, 6 still at large), involving 5 major transnational smuggling groups, covering multiple border provinces and smuggling routes:
1. Myanmar Smuggling Group (Tak Province)
Smuggled Myanmar nationals from Tak Province in Thailand to Bangkok and the south, then on to Malaysia. The police arrested 56 people, issued 33 arrest warrants, seized 260 illegal entrants, confiscated 15 vehicles, and identified networks in 5 provinces.
2. Chinese Smuggling Group (Tak Province)
Organized Chinese citizens to smuggle into Thailand via Myanmar, then transported to Bangkok and surrounding areas. The main suspect "Sutiva" was arrested in Ayutthaya Province while driving a car carrying 2 Chinese smugglers. The gang's involved funds exceeded 2 billion Thai Baht, suspected to be related to the group uncovered in the first phase.
3. Myanmar Smuggling Group (Kanchanaburi Province)
Used trucks and long-distance buses to smuggle Myanmar nationals deep into Thailand. This time, 43 people were arrested, 24 arrest warrants were issued, 443 illegal entrants were seized, and 14 vehicles were confiscated.
4. Myanmar Smuggling Group (Chiang Rai Province)
Active in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, transporting illegal entrants to Bangkok. The police arrested 7 people, seized 31 smugglers, and confiscated 3 vehicles.
5. Bangladesh Smuggling Group (Sa Kaeo Province)
Assisted Bangladeshis to illegally enter Thailand via the Thai-Cambodian border, eventually heading to Malaysia. In this operation, 14 people were arrested, 5 arrest warrants were issued, 56 people were seized, and 11 vehicles were confiscated. The main suspect, nicknamed "Brother Sea Chicken," is still at large.
General Tana of the National Police Agency stated that the police will continue to crack down on transnational smuggling crimes, investigate the masterminds and corrupt officials behind them, and resolutely maintain border security and social stability.
