Thai authorities arrest 26 Cambodian nationals in Sa Kaeo border raid

SA KAEO — 6 October 2026, Thai police, immigration officers and border patrol troops arrested 26 Cambodian nationals during a raid on a community near Rong Kluea Market in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, on Tuesday morning.

The joint operation began at around 08:00 as authorities conducted proactive checks in high-risk areas along the Sa Kaeo border following information that Cambodian nationals were staying in Thailand without authorization.

The operation was led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Wasan Techaarakkasem, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2, Pol. Maj. Gen. Kittipong Wisetsanguan, commander of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, and other senior police officers, together with Col. Phongsakorn Sueangam, commander of Ranger Company 12.

Following an investigation, authorities identified a target area in the “200 Rooms” community in Village 7, Pa Rai subdistrict, Aranyaprathet district, where foreign nationals were suspected of staying without legal permission.

Officers surrounded and searched the area, finding 26 Cambodian nationals who were allegedly living in Thailand without authorization. The group consisted of 23 men and three women.

All 26 suspects were taken to investigators at Khlong Luek Police Station for legal proceedings.

Authorities said the operation was part of an integrated effort by security agencies in Sa Kaeo to tighten checks on foreign nationals, prevent illegal border crossings and other offenses, and maintain security and public order in border communities.