Sixteen Myanmar migrant workers who illegally entered Thailand were arrested in Tak Province, on December 24, according to local sources.

The group had reportedly been traveling to Chonburi Province to seek employment after crossing the border through Hlaingbwe Township in Kayin State. They were arrested in Mae Khlu Village, Tha Song Yang District, during a night patrol conducted by Thai security forces on December 24.

Those detained included four men and twelve women, bringing the total number to sixteen.

Reports said the migrants decided to enter Thailand illegally due to a lack of job opportunities in Myanmar and after hearing claims that recruitment for jobs in Thailand was underway. Each person allegedly paid 15,000 baht to brokers to facilitate their journey.

Following their arrest, the Myanmar nationals were handed over to the Tha Song Yang police station, where legal action will be taken against them in accordance with Thai law, Thai media reported.