A combined force of military, police and park officials have arrested 30 ethnic Karen, for allegedly encroaching on Srinagarindra National Park in Si Sawat district of Kanchanaburi province, to build a settlement.
The officials also seized, from the 11 men, 10 women and 9 children, five guns, an electric chain saw, bullet-proof vests, communication gear, several knives and construction equipment.
Veera Khunchairak, deputy director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, told the media today that the Karen group is believed to be a cult, which is actively recruiting fellow Karen.
A Karen YouTuber claims, however, that the leader of the group looks like a scammer, who has allegedly deceived numerous Karen into believing that he could provide them with a passport for 5,000 baht.
Veera went on to say that the adults arrested will face multiple charges, including park encroachment, illegal possession of firearms and illegal entry into Thailand.
