81 Thai nationals have been arrested on the Myanmar side of the Thai border for illegally entering the country.


The arrests occurred on Sunday, Feb. 3 in a series of raids by Myanmar police in Tachileik, Shan State, directly opposite the Thai border in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai.


48 Thai men and 33 women were arrested at what the Myanmar Times reportedwere “entertainment venues and hotels” in Na Yao village, about 10 kilometres from the Thai border.


Although not detailing what the entertainment venues were, Tachilek and its surrounds are well known as having a number of casinos.


None of those arrested had documents showing they went through the immigration process to enter Myanmar.


They were subsequently moved to Mine Hsat township in Shan State, about 100km from the border for further questioning.


Interestingly, Myanmar Police made the arrests after a request from Thailand to help track down fugitives in drug and other cases who had fled arrest warrants and may be illegally staying in the country.


Pornpat Suvannabhum, chief of Narcotics Control Office Region 5 in Chiang Mai, told the paper that they were awaiting confirmation from Myanmar authorities of the identities of the arrested Thais.

https://chiangmaione.com/81-thais-ar...gal-entry-2635