Chiang Mai arrests two illegal Lao migrants

2026-02-19 - 02:33

CHIANG MAI — 18 February 2026, Immigration police in Chiang Mai have arrested two Lao nationals who allegedly entered Thailand illegally through a natural border crossing, officials said. Pol. Col. Pitakpong Charoenkul, superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration, and Lt. Col. Nattaphon Chumbuathong, deputy superintendent, ordered an investigation into foreign nationals suspected of violating the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and other relevant laws. An investigative team from Chiang Mai Immigration, working with officers from Immigration Division 5, inspected locations considered at risk for illegal activity in Nong Hoi subdistrict, Mueang district. Authorities said they arrested two Lao nationals on charges of entering and residing in the Kingdom without permission. The suspects were informed of the charges and their legal rights before being taken into custody. Both were transferred to Chiang Mai Immigration for processing and deportation under Section 54 of the Immigration Act. The two men admitted they were Lao nationals who had entered Thailand via a natural border route in late January and travelled to Chiang Mai in search of work before being apprehended. Chiang Mai Immigration said members of the public can contact the office to provide information or seek further details.