Thai authorities have arrested 63 undocumented Myanmar nationals who were hiding in a house in northern Thailand, according to a report by Khaosod News.

The raid took place at around 3:30 pm. on April 23 in a residence located in Mae Tam sub-district, Phayao Province. Officials conducted the operation after discovering that the individuals were staying there without proper documentation.

The operation involved a joint task force including district police, immigration officers, labor officials, and internal security personnel. Authorities are currently investigating whether the case is linked to forced labor or human trafficking activities.

Those arrested include several ethnic people of Myanmar, including Pa-O, Shan and Karen, as well as 33 men and 30 women, including three minors under the age of 18.

Initial investigations revealed that they had illegally entered Thailand via Mae Sai in Chiang Rai province, and were transported by brokers named Sam and Than, who were arrested while waiting at their homes to travel on to the railway lines in Bangkok and Phitsanulok provinces, and were transported in vans, the report said.

The migrant workers paid the brokers between 8,500 and 10,000 baht each, and some of them had border crossing permits but no legal entry documents, the report said.

All the adults were charged with illegal entry and handed over to the investigation officer at the Mong Pha O Police Station.

The three minors will be transferred to the District Child and Family Welfare Center, where they are being investigated for possible human trafficking, the report added.