Bangkok--Thai police are seeking help from villagers living near a recently uncovered network of jungle camps to aid their investigation into people-smuggling and human trafficking-gangs, a senior officer said Wednesday.
Suspicion has fallen on remote communities in the deep south whom rights groups say must either have been aware of the trade, or have been actively involved in it.
Seven camps have been uncovered in Songkhla province close to the Malaysian border, highlighting the country's crucial role in the regional smuggling trade.
Some of the camps contained dozens of graves and bodies in various states of decomposition. On Monday, Malaysian officials uncovered a further series of camps on their side of the border complete with 139 grave sites.
The victims are believed to be Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, a heavily persecuted minority, and Bangladeshis fleeing poverty.
Deputy national police chief Aek Angsananont, who is heading Thailand's investigation, told AFP more than 100 police officers were being sent to local villages to try to encourage them to testify.
"They (villagers) see how police have arrested people involved in trafficking and that the courts are not giving these people bail, no matter how big they are," he said.
"When they are confident they cooperate, and they are providing us with information as well as becoming witnesses for trials," he added.
Thai police have arrested nearly 50 people since a crackdown began in early May, including some local officials.
AFP
