Chinese and Thai nationals living illegally in Tachileik and Keng Tung (Kyaingtong) townships in eastern Shan State have been arrested by local authorities. Nowadays, there are frequent arrests of foreigners who have entered Myanmar illegally.

Chinese and Thai nationals who entered Myanmar illegally used to run unlawful businesses in eastern Shan State. Currently Tachileik has become a busy hub forillegal online games and online gambling businesses, as well as drug gangs.

An official told the Shan Herald that seven Chinese nationals without immigration documents were arrested near a cemetery in Cat Taung village in Keng Tung township on December 3rd.

The official from Keng Tung said,“ Joint forces patrolling the area for security threats spotted a suspicious car and checked it. Seven undocumented Chinese nationals were caught in the white Pajero (io). Now they all are detained at the police station”.

A case has been filed against the 7 Chinese under Section 13/1 of Myanmar Immigration Act and (Pa) 448/2022.

In a separate incident, on the evening of December 3rd, local officials arrested three Thai nationals who were illegally staying in San Sai (B) ward in Tachileik township.

"While conducting inspections in Mya Shwe Yee Hotel, three undocumented Thai nationals were caught," a 50-year-old man close to the incident told the Shan Herald. The three Thais arrested are Mr. Nattapat Saha-ampan (40), Mr. Thiwanon Kulalao (33) and Mr. Thibet Kawsawas (29).