Thailand arrests 21 Bangladeshis en route to Malaysia over ‘illegal entry’

Thai authorities have arrested 21 Bangladeshi nationals and a Myanmar woman after uncovering a suspected illegal transit operation in a seaside resort, where the group was reportedly waiting to be moved onward to Malaysia following unlawful entry into the country.

They were found hidden in a seaside resort in Chana on Wednesday early hours, reports The Bangkok Post.

The group, which was taken to the resort on Tuesday, was later charged with illegal entry and stay.

A retired Thai civil servant, who owned the facility, was also arrested in the raid by immigration officers and tourist police.

The Bangladeshis reportedly told investigators they had paid brokers Tk 700,000 each for passage to Malaysia.

They first flew to Cambodia and then crossed into Thailand on foot on Apr 4, and were taken to a hotel for two days before being moved in stages, investigators said.

Around 5am, they were transported in a covered pickup truck to the resort owned by 66-year-old Kritidet, identified by a single name.

The driver reportedly spoke with him before escorting them into the abandoned building and told them their phones were with Kritidet.

During the raid, officers heard voices speaking “foreign languages” coming from an abandoned building within the resort compound.

After removing a tarpaulin covering the entrance, the officers discovered a narrow passage leading to a dark room where the 22 people, aged between 20 and 46, were sitting in cramped conditions.

The arrestees alleged that the resort owner seized their mobile phones.

However, Kritidet denied any knowledge or involvement when questioned by police.

But 16 phones, allegedly belonging to the Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals, were eventually recovered in two small boxes under a bed in his room, with a government uniform hanging on the wall.

All suspects were taken for interrogation at the Songkhla Immigration Office, where Kritidet continued to deny his involvement.

Investigators, however, were not convinced by his remarks.

The arrestees were finally handed over to Khuan Meed Police for further legal proceedings.