The immigrants are believed to have traveled by boat from Bangladesh or Myanmar.
Tha Chatchai Police at the northern tip of Phuket were informed of the group by concerned locals at about 6am. The residents reported seeing unusual groups of people walking through the area.
Officers arrived at the reported locations to find three separate groups of individuals walking about 10 minutes apart. Preliminary questioning revealed that the individuals were not Thai nationals but had reportedly been transported by boat to Tha Noon Pier, located in Tambon Khok Kloi, in Takua Pa District, Phang Nga.
After landing, the group split into two: one headed toward Phuket and the other deeper into Phang Nga Province.
Authorities quickly coordinated with multiple agencies, including Immigration and Social Development and Human Security officers.
Also informed of the groups were Marine Police, the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command (based in Phuket) and the Phuket branch of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC 3) to provide assistance and handle the situation according to legal and humanitarian standards.
Wiwat Jindapon, a former Vice-President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) Council who also serves as a member of the Working group of the Deputy Minister of Interior, stated that local villagers initially reported the sighting of strangers near Wat Mai Khao Beach.
When authorities arrived, they found a large group of people, though some fled upon approach. The individuals were later brought to the Phuket Check Point at ThaChatchai for further inspection.
Through an interpreter, the group explained that they had left Bangladesh by fishing boat with the intention of reaching a third country, believed to be Malaysia.
However, due to issues during their journey, they were left on the coast near Myanmar. Fearing capture, the group reportedly traveled along the coastline on foot for over five days before reaching Tha Chatchai Beach.
Most of the individuals were found in a weak and malnourished state, having gone several days without food or water.
Authorities provided immediate assistance, including food, water and medical care for those who were ill. Villagers were also urged to report any further sightings of strangers in the area to authorities.
Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkun emphasised that the case is being handled under humanitarian principles.
Authorities are working to determine the nationalities and identities of the individuals with the assistance of the Immigration Bureau and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security,” Mr Siwat said.
The investigation continues as officials coordinate efforts to provide care and assess the next steps for these individuals under Thai law, he added.