On September 15, three Lao nationals were arrested in Khon Kaen on charges of working illegally on tourist visas during a nationwide crackdown.
In the first case, Kalasin provincial police arrested 24-year-old Wichai Chaichuang from Khon Kaen province, who was wanted on a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for his role in a cybercrime case involving the use of bank accounts and telephones.
During questioning, Wichai revealed contacts with Lao nationals to procure approximately 2,000 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition in Mukdahan province. Kalasin authorities coordinated with Mukdahan police and organized a sting operation.
Officers intercepted 21-year-old Sakhone Xaiyamoungkhoun from Savannakhet province, Laos, who was carrying a sack of ammunition. He attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
A search yielded 2,214 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Sakhone confessed that the ammunition came from a Laotian man known as “Noi,” and that he had been ordered to deliver it to a buyer for 9,000 baht (approximately US$283).
Authorities charged Sakhone with illegal possession of ammunition and handed him over, along with the seized evidence, to Mukdahan investigators for legal proceedings.
On September 15, in a separate operation in neighboring Khon Kaen Province, immigration police arrested three Lao nationals for illegally working on tourist visas.
The individuals were identified as Khongma, 30; Sisoumung, 31; and Maithai, 21. All three remain legally permitted to stay in Thailand, but were found to be employed without work permits.
