RAYONG, THAILAND – Police in Rayong province arrested eight Cambodian nationals in a targeted raid over alleged violations of immigration law and related offences.
Coordinated operation across Pluak Daeng district
On 9 January 2026, officers from the Pluak Daeng Police Station carried out a coordinated operation across the district. Checkpoints and searches focused on foreign workers who were allegedly employed or residing in the area without proper documentation.
The operation was led by Pol. Col. Navin Sinthurat, head of the station, supported by Pol. Lt. Col. Suchart Dusadee, deputy head of investigations, and Pol. Lt. Col. Niyom Chuephaka, investigations inspector, along with a team of investigators.
Eight Cambodian nationals taken into custody
During the raid, police detained eight Cambodian citizens who, according to authorities, had violated Thailand’s immigration laws. Some of those arrested also faced additional allegations relating to weapons offences.
Three suspects – Mr. Samos, Mr. Rat and Mr. Sai – were charged with two offences. The first allegation concerned jointly carrying knives in public places, in villages or on public roads, openly or without valid reason. The second related to unlawful entry into and stay in the kingdom as foreign nationals.
Separate immigration charges for remaining suspects
Five further suspects – Mr. Joy, Mr. Wasana, Mr. Phut, Mr. Sak and Mr. Dis – faced charges solely for illegal entry and unlawful stay. All eight individuals were placed in custody and handed over to investigators at Pluak Daeng Police Station.
Police there were preparing additional legal steps against the group in line with the alleged immigration and weapons violations.
Police stress focus on public order and security
Police representatives said the raid formed part of an ongoing strategy to strictly enforce laws governing foreign nationals. The stated aim was to safeguard public order and security in Pluak Daeng district.
A police spokesperson noted that authorities would intensify measures against similar violations to prevent criminal activity.
“These operations are intended to increase safety in the district and to stop illegal activities at an early stage.”
said a police spokesperson.
Part of wider crackdown in eastern Thailand
The action in Pluak Daeng fitted into broader initiatives by police in the east of the country, where security forces had stepped up efforts against illegal migrant labour. Recent public concerns about incidents reportedly linked to such activity formed the backdrop to the campaign.
Authorities in Rayong viewed the latest arrests as a contribution to addressing those concerns and to strengthening the sense of security in the region.