Former Village Head Arrested for Smuggling 1.4 Tons of Chicken Offal
Authorities in Sa Kaeo province intercepted a vehicle carrying 1.4 tons of chicken offal destined for Cambodia, driven by a former village head recently released from prison.
On October 20, 2026, military personnel patrolling the Fak Huai sub-district of Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo province, intercepted a green pickup truck displaying a Tha Kham Municipality sign. The vehicle was covered with a black tarp, prompting an inspection by officers.
The driver was identified as Mr. Chetta Ngambunkam, also known as 'Phu Yai Phet,' a former village head of Non Khi Lek. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered 120 crates of chicken gizzards, totaling approximately 1.44 tons. When requested to provide official documentation for the transport of animal carcasses, Mr. Chetta failed to produce any permits and declined to provide a statement to the authorities.
According to Khaosod Online, Mr. Chetta had previously served time in prison for a case involving the smuggling of Cambodian migrant workers into Thailand. Officials suspect the chicken offal was intended for illegal export into Cambodia.
For residents and travelers, this incident highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to monitor cross-border smuggling activities in the Sa Kaeo region. While the suspect is in custody, the investigation remains ongoing to confirm the intended destination and the full scope of the smuggling operation. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the origin of the cargo or potential accomplices.
