PHUKET: Ranong Province is strengthening its resistance to illegal immigration by targeting the transporters of the transients for prosecution, as it is considered the best way to suppress the problem which may be within the scope of human trafficking and transnational crime.

The stronger measure was settled on yesterday during a meeting between Ranong Governor Suriyan Kanjanasilp, as chairman of the meeting, and the Ranong Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).

Colonel Sutthipong Jongpakdee, Deputy Director of the ISOC in Ranong, revealed after the meeting that Ranong as a port city, is used as an entry point to the region by the traffickers to enable the illegal transportation of the mostly Rohingya and Bangladeshi intruders to third countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia.

These illegal immigrants enter Thailand through Ranong's various districts, over land or through sea ports.

Some, taking a land route, head to Chumphon Province via Kra Buri District.

Others sail small boats across the sea, and enter Thailand at either Mueang District, Kaper District or Suk Saran District, then move to Sawee district in Chumphon.

They later leave Thailand for other destinations through Phang Nga.