Police in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province took a significant action on a Sunday dawn. They conducted a raid at a construction workers' camp in Nong Nam Som subdistrict, Uthai district. This came after reports of illegal foreign laborers being present.

Compassionate Measures Amidst Legal Proceedings

During the operation on December 8, which was a joint effort by Ayutthaya police and Uthai district administrative officials, a chaotic scene unfolded. Panicked workers tried to escape, with some even climbing onto rooftops. Authorities were able to detain 100 Myanmar nationals. Among them, 26 were men and 11 were women who were found without passports. These suspects were charged with illegally entering and residing in the Kingdom without permission and were transferred to Uthai Police Station for further legal actions. In a heartwarming gesture, police officers ordered grilled chicken with sticky rice to provide sustenance to the detained workers while their cases were being processed.

Details of Illegal Workers

Speaking to reporters, a 32-year-old Myanmar worker named Lucky shared that the workers had entered Thailand illegally through natural border passages in Mae Hong Son province. Each worker had paid between 15,000 to 20,000 baht for the journey. He explained that general laborers earned 500 baht daily, while skilled workers received 600 baht per day. Lucky attributed the ongoing conflict in Myanmar as the main reason for seeking work in neighboring countries. "The fighting in Myanmar has compelled us to look for opportunities abroad to make a living," Lucky told reporters.

Impact of Illegal Immigration

This raid clearly shows Thailand's continuous struggle with illegal immigration. Especially as neighboring Myanmar continues to face internal conflicts, it is driving more people to seek work opportunities across the border. It poses a significant challenge for the country in terms of maintaining law and order and managing the influx of illegal immigrants. The situation also highlights the need for better border control and cooperation between countries to address this issue effectively.