YANGON: Thai authorities are reported to have arrested eight Myanmar nationals and a Thai truck driver over attempted human smuggling near the Thai-Myanmar border at 3pm on Saturday (Nov 16).
The Myanmar nationals were caught hiding beneath an 18-wheeler truck transporting goods to Myawady in Myanmar through the Mae Sot-Myawady Friendship Bridge No. 2.
The Thai border guards apprehended them during a routine inspection aimed at preventing illegal entry of foreign nationals into Thailand.
The incident happened as the border patrol unit in Mae Sot District, part of five districts under surveillance, was checking an 18-wheeler returning from Myawady.
During the inspection, eight Myanmar nationals were found hidden under the truck disguised as part of the timber cargo.
Thai authorities in Mae Sot District arrested the truck driver and confiscated the vehicle.
Among the eight Myanmar nationals found on the truck, there were six men and two women.
They are now being held at the Mae Sot police station, where legal action will be taken against them in accordance with the law. - Eleven Media/ANN
