21 Bangladeshis detained at Thai resort over illegal migration attempt

Thai authorities have detained 22 foreign nationals, including 21 Bangladeshis, from a seaside resort in southern Thailand, in a suspected human trafficking operation aimed at smuggling migrants into Malaysia, reports Bangkok Post. 

The arrests were made during a coordinated raid in Chana district’s Na Thap area on Thursday, following intelligence that undocumented migrants were being sheltered at the property. The detainees also include a 20-year-old woman from Myanmar.

Police said all those held had entered Thailand illegally and were believed to be part of an organised network facilitating onward movement to Malaysia. The group comprises individuals aged between 20 and 46.

Officials noted that although the resort appeared closed from the outside, officers detected conversations in foreign languages from within.

Upon entering through a narrow tarpaulin-covered passage leading to an abandoned structure, police found the migrants crowded together and detained them on the spot.

During initial questioning, several detainees alleged that their mobile phones had been taken by the resort owner. A subsequent search led to the recovery of 16 mobile phones concealed in two boxes under a bed.

The resort owner, identified as 66-year-old Kritdet, a retired senior government official, was also arrested. He denied involvement in the trafficking operation, claiming the phones may have been left behind by a driver who fled before the raid. 

Investigators said he previously held key administrative and security roles in Songkhla province.

Preliminary findings suggest each Bangladeshi migrant paid approximately Tk700,000 to brokers for passage to Malaysia.

The group reportedly travelled by air from Bangladesh to Cambodia, before crossing into Thailand on foot via the Sa Kaeo border on April 4.

On April 8, they were transported in a covered van to the resort, where they were being held prior to further movement. The migrants claimed the driver assured them their phones would be safely kept by the resort owner.

The Myanmar national told police she undertook the journey to reunite with her husband working in Malaysia, with expenses covered by him. She reportedly entered Thailand through the Chiang Rai border on April 5 before joining the group.

Authorities have charged Kritdet with harbouring and assisting illegal migrants. The detainees face charges of illegal entry and unlawful stay in Thailand.

All individuals are currently being held at Khuan Mi police station in Chana district as investigations continue into the wider trafficking network.