KANCHANABURI, THAILAND – Police in Kanchanaburi made a shocking discovery after stopping a truck packed with 108 illegal migrants from Myanmar. Inside the cramped vehicle, 70 men and 38 women were found squeezed together—some standing, others sitting—enduring stifling heat and minimal space. The driver confessed he had been paid to transport them.
Overloaded Truck Stopped Just Before Highway
Authorities from the highway police and local administration intercepted the truck just before it reached the M81 highway. The vehicle was en route to Khao Meng Amonmae Temple in Muang District when officers intervened.
Upon opening the rear doors, officers were confronted with a harrowing sight: 108 people packed tightly into the dark cargo hold. The air was suffocating, and the conditions were dire—a stark image of misery under the Thai sun.
Driver Confesses: 7,000 Baht for the Job
The driver, identified as Mr. Oat, a member of the Karen ethnic group from Sangkhla Buri District, immediately confessed. He admitted to receiving 7,000 baht (about 215 USD) to drive the truck from Thong Pha Phum District to the forest edge near Ban Khao Meng.
“This was my third job like this,” the 38-year-old told police. He was promptly arrested and now faces serious legal consequences.
Complex Smuggling Route Uncovered
Through interpreters, the migrants described their arduous journey. They had crossed the border near Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong at night to avoid checkpoints. Boats ferried them to the “Three Rocks” pier, from where they traveled up the Song Kalia River into the Vajiralongkorn Dam reservoir.
Upon arrival at Ban Tha Phae Pier, pickup trucks awaited to transport them to the six-wheeled truck. Their intended final destinations were the provinces of Samut Songkhram and Samut Sakhon, with some hoping to continue on to Malaysia.
20,000–30,000 Baht Paid Per Person
Each migrant had paid between 20,000 and 30,000 baht (610–915 USD) to the smugglers—a staggering sum for people from Myanmar. Their hope was to find work in Thailand’s factories or on fishing boats, far from the poverty of their homeland.
Instead of a better life, they now face deportation. All 108 were taken to Muang Kanchanaburi Police Station, where they await repatriation.
Major Smuggling Network Under Investigation
Police are now investigating the truck’s owner, suspecting a professional smuggling network behind the operation. Mr. Oat appears to be just a small cog in a much larger machine.
This incident once again highlights the scale of human trafficking along Thailand’s borders. Despite increased patrols, smugglers continue to find ways to move people through forests and rivers—until the next checkpoint brings their journey to a halt.