Bangkok: The Royal Thai Navy has reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict border controls while clarifying the legal process behind the repatriation of Cambodians released from Thai prisons.
According to Thai News Agency, Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, explained that the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Protection Command, specifically the Chanthaburi Marine Corps Task Force, collaborated with the Immigration Bureau to repatriate 30 Cambodian nationals and three dependents. These individuals, who had completed their sentences and finalized legal proceedings in Thailand, were deported through the Ban Laem permanent border crossing in Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province. Their offenses ranged from illegal immigration to drug-related crimes and other criminal activities.
Rear Admiral Rattanachaiyapan stressed that the repatriation was carried out in accordance with the Immigration Act of 1979 and was strictly a legal procedure. He assured that it did not signal any opening of the border crossing or a relaxation of border control measures. The border closure remains firmly enforced across the entire area of responsibility.
The Royal Thai Navy continues to work alongside relevant agencies to uphold border security, ensuring the prevention of illegal entry and exit from the Kingdom and combatting all forms of illegal activity, thus safeguarding national interests and security.