According to reports from Thailand, Thai authorities have arrested 160 undocumented Myanmar nationals in Thong Pha Phum Township, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

The arrests took place around 9:30 a.m. on October 19, when the undocumented migrants were found hiding in a forest area near Ban Hin Lam Village, Zone 5, Tha Khanun Subdistrict of Thong Pha Phum. Thai media reported that among the detainees were 92 men, 57 women, eight boys aged 15 to 18, and three girls.

When questioned through an interpreter, the migrants said they had entered Thailand illegally through forest routes from the Phaya Thonzu area on the Thai-Myanmar border. They intended to find employment in Thailand and Malaysia. After crossing into Sangkhla Buri Township, they reportedly traveled by boat to Thong Pha Phum, where they were waiting for vehicles to take them to Kanchanaburi Townwhen authorities arrested them.

They also stated that they had paid brokers between 20,000 and 240,000 baht each to arrange their travel.

The arrested migrants have since been transferred to the Thong Pha Phum Police Station, where legal action is being taken in accordance with Thai law.

Reports further indicate that over 320 undocumented Myanmar nationals have been arrested in Kanchanaburi Province so far in October.