The General Department of Immigration (GDI) said 39 Thai nationals were deported, including 16 women, over illegal entry, unauthorised residence and employment, and other immigration-related offences.

The deportations at the Poipet International Border in Banteay Meanchey province on Tuesday, were following instructions from General Sok Veasna, Director-General of the General Department of Immigration.

According to the GDI, the deportees included individuals found staying and working illegally in Cambodia, entering the country without passports or crossing the border without authorisation.

The group also had completed their sentences for offences, including unauthorised border crossing, trespassing in a military area, attempted fraud, illegal drug use and trafficking, and online fraud.

The operation was carried out under the recommendations of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha and the leadership of the Ministry of Interior.

The GDI said the deportation campaign reflected the strict enforcement of laws and measures of Prime Minister Hun Manet.

He has stated that Cambodia will not allow criminals or illegal individuals to use its territory as a base for scams or other offences that threaten regional and international security. He called on authorities to continue cracking down on such activities and deporting offenders without exception to protect national security and Cambodia’s reputation.

Under Sokha’s direction, law enforcement authorities have continued efforts to eliminate technology-related crimes, investigate and dismantle criminal networks, and rescue people who were deceived into participating in criminal activities, enabling them to regain their freedom and return home safely to their countries.