OFFICIALS from various agencies are strictly screening 635 Thais sent back by Cambodia via Aranyaprathet border crossing in Sa Kaeo province to separate victims of human trafficking from those who intentionally joined scam gangs in fleecing victims, PPTVHD36 and Amarin TV said today (April 30).
Maj. Gen. Worawet Wanmongkol, director of Army Information Department’s PR Office, said the repatriation of this large number of Thais is a significant result of cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia, utilising diplomatic, military, and security mechanisms. The army, police and related agencies closely cooperated to ensure their crossing back to their homeland was orderly, transparent, and in compliance with international law.
“The main objective is to restore the situation to normalcy and strengthen border security,” Maj. Gen. Worawet said.
Of the 635 returning Thais, 592 had passports, while the remainder were renewing their visas. They were all working in Building F, one of twin buildings with 13 floors, located opposite the Rong Kluea Market in Aranyaprathet
Reporters described the atmosphere at the Ban Klong Luek checkpoint in Aranyaprathet, noting that the Cambodian side had coordinated the repatriation of approximately 300 Thai nationals at around 9 a.m. this morning. However, by 4.30 p.m. they had still not crossed the border.
Meanwhile, numerous Thai officials and soldiers, who were stationed at various points along the checkpoint, waited to screen them according to the Non-Regulatory Monitoring process.
The Cambodian side claimed the delay was due to the large-scale arrest of a call centre scam gang the previous night, resulting in several buses being used to transport Chinese nationals to Siem Reap, leaving too few to transport the Thai nationals. They then asked for additional buses from Banteay Meanchey province, which took some time to come to Poipet and drive the Thais to the checkpoint.
Meanwhile Pol. Maj. Gen. Thitiwat Suriyachai, deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 2, said a multidisciplinary team comprising officials from Social Development and Human Security and Labour ministries plus security agencies will be screening all returning Thais.
This is to identify those who are victims, having been deceived to work for these ruthless scam gangs, and others who intentionally joined their criminal activities. The screening process involves answering a lengthy over 70-question enquiry covering travel circumstances, type of work, related networks, and potential criminal activities such as call centre scams, online gambling, internet fraud, and human trafficking among others.
“If they are victims, they will receive protection and assistance according to due process. However, if they are found to be involved with organised crime, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Pol. Maj. Gen. Thitiwat said.
Initial investigation revealed that some individuals could be suspects in criminal cases and have outstanding arrest warrants with at least one individual definitely being a wanted fugitive, and several others are under investigation.
Furthermore, there is information that some of the Thais repatriated this time are part of the same group who previously attempted to return to home but were unable to cross the border. A number of Thais remain stranded in Cambodia, and coordination is underway to gradually bring them back.
Officials also warned Thais who may become victims abroad to promptly contact the Thai embassy or relevant agencies for assistance to ensure they receive proper help.
CAPTION:
This and Front Page – Some of 635 Thais repatriated from Cambodia today, April 30, 2026. Photo – PPTVHD36
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