TAK, THAILAND – Authorities in the Thai border province of Tak launched a cross-border manhunt after two Myanmar nationals suspected over the death of a 57-year-old Hmong woman were released by immigration officials and disappeared.
Death on remote cornfield in Mae Sot district
The victim, referred to in Thai media as “Nang B.”, had been working on a cornfield in Ban Huai Phak Kut, Moo 8, in Phawo subdistrict of Mae Sot district when she died. She was reported to have encountered two men from Myanmar on 11 November 2025: 50-year-old “Nai Thon Ta Ong” and 41-year-old “Nai Atue,” both described as migrant workers. The woman died the same day, and the exact circumstances remained under investigation.
Arrest, handover and disputed release
Following the incident, the two suspects were initially arrested by officers from Phawo police station (Sathani Phak Phawo). Police then handed the men over to the Tak Immigration office. There, they were reportedly released or left to return towards Myanmar, and they had not been seen since, leaving the victim’s family stunned by the authorities’ actions.
The daughter of the 57-year-old said she no longer knew whether to trust the police or the immigration office in Tak.
“I no longer know whom to believe – the police or the immigration authority in Tak. I am asking for justice for my mother.”
said the daughter, relative of the victim.
Wide search and cross-border coordination
On 4 January 2026, Tak Immigration launched a large-scale search for the two suspects, with officers combing Mae Sot district and neighbouring districts. In parallel, the agency contacted Myanmar immigration offices in the border town of Myawaddy, asking them to hand the men over to the Thai side immediately if found. So far, there had been no breakthrough.
Phawo police station also deployed investigators to the border area to look for clues to the men’s whereabouts. Officials stressed they would pursue both suspects and bring them to justice under Thai law once apprehended.
Public criticism of police and immigration bureau
The case triggered strong criticism among local residents, who questioned why police had transferred the two suspects so quickly to immigration instead of first securing and documenting potential evidence. People were also debating whether important material might have been lost and why the men were then freed despite allegations against them. An internal investigation was under way at the immigration bureau to clarify how the release occurred.
Background of the suspects
According to information from investigative circles, 50-year-old Nai Thon Ta Ong was believed to be a former soldier from Myanmar and of Rakhine ethnicity. Little was known about his past and any possible criminal record. Officials reiterated that both men would be tracked down and prosecuted in line with the law.
“The police will do everything possible to bring the suspects before the court.”
said security officials, speaking on behalf of the authorities.
Legal steps and internal inquiries
Prosecutors in Tak were preparing an indictment to be filed once the suspects were arrested. At the same time, an internal probe at the immigration office aimed to determine why and under what circumstances the two men had been released. A police spokesperson said officers were working closely with Myanmar authorities, but noted that the extradition of suspects across the border was often a complicated and time-consuming process.
Challenges of policing porous border areas
The case highlighted the particular difficulties of law enforcement in border regions such as Tak, which shares a direct frontier with Myanmar. The porous boundary frequently hampered the work of authorities and allowed suspects to slip away. Migrant workers from Myanmar often lived in a legal grey area, and in such incidents it was not always clear whether the police or immigration authorities were responsible.
Experts had long called for better coordination between agencies, especially in serious cases. A legal scholar from Chiang Mai University said the present case exemplified how the system failed when responsibilities overlapped and procedures were unclear.
Reaction of the Hmong community
The local Hmong community reacted with grief and concern, with representatives demanding better protection for people working in remote areas. Several village communities announced they would strengthen security patrols and ensure workers no longer went alone to isolated fields. The victim’s family continued to call for transparent clarification of the events and accountability from all authorities involved.