A 25-year-old Thai man was arrested on May 26, 2025, in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhlaburi district for smuggling nearly 18 million baht (approximately $552,000) in cash across the border from Myanmar. Authorities allege the suspect used an unusual cross-border route through a residential property straddling the two countries.
The suspect, identified only as Thanawat, was stopped by a checkpoint operated by the Lad Ya Special Forces unit while driving from Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong toward the center of Sangkhlaburi. A search of his vehicle uncovered two cloth bags containing 17,994,000 baht hidden inside.
Thanawat reportedly told investigators that he runs an import-export business and had been collecting payments from customers in Myanmar. Instead of transferring funds through formal banking channels, he would store the money in a warehouse in Myanmar before physically carrying it across the border to deposit in Thai banks for investment purposes.
The route used for the transfer was notably unconventional. According to authorities, Thanawat used a house situated on Kaset Phanit Soi 9, where the front of the house lies in Thailand while the back door opens into Myanmar. Locals have nicknamed this location the “Doraemon Door,” a reference to the Japanese cartoon character known for his fantastical portals.
Investigators said the suspect had made multiple trips via this route, allegedly paying 500 baht each time to guards stationed at the property. His activities came to an end when intensified security measures along the border led to his interception.
Thanawat has been charged under Thailand’s Customs Act for bringing money into the country without a proper customs declaration. The offense carries a maximum prison term of 10 years or a fine up to four times the amount smuggled, in addition to any applicable duties.
Authorities are continuing the investigation and plan to question the owner of the cross-border property to determine whether they knowingly facilitated the illegal activity.
