Twenty-six Myanmar nationals who entered illegally were arrested on a major highway in Thailand after being transported in three vehicles, according to reports.

Thai media reported on February 18 that a joint operation intercepted three vehicles carrying 26 undocumented Myanmar nationals, along with three drivers.

Highway police from Phetchabun, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lopburi, and Nakhon Sawan, together with the Crime Suppression Division and the Anti-Human Trafficking Division, were conducting inspections along routes in Phichit district when they noticed three suspicious vehicles.

The vehicles—a sedan, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), and a pickup truck—were reportedly being driven in an unusual manner.

Upon inspection of the sedan, authorities found a Myanmar national acting as a guide driver. The MPV was carrying 17 undocumented Myanmar nationals, while the pickup truck carried nine others, bringing the total to 26 individuals.

During questioning, the Myanmar nationals said they had each paid brokers 8,500 Thai baht and were arrested while being transported.

Authorities are currently detaining the undocumented Myanmar nationals and proceeding with legal action in accordance with the law.