67 Cambodian migrants caught fleeing hardship to ThailandListen to this articleOfficers from the Marine Task Force in Chanthaburi province question some of the 67 Cambodian nationals detained after crossing the border illegally on Saturday. (Photo: Royal Thai Army)CHANTHABURI - Sixty-seven Cambodians were arrested for sneaking into Thailand in Pong Nam Ron district of this eastern province in the early hours of Saturday, reportedly telling officials they were facing severe hardship at home and hoping for jobs in Thailand. In coordination with police and immigration officials, the force detained 35 men, 25 women and seven children, all Cambodian nationals. According to Thai Ministry of Labour data, there were 512,000 registered Cambodian workers in Thailand as of May 2025. The Thai navy emphasised that illegal immigration impacted national security and public safety, so strict law enforcement was necessary alongside humanitarian practices.

Source: Bangkok Post January 03, 2026 14:33 UTC