ARANYAPRATHET – A Nigerian national’s attempt to flee Cambodia’s economic crisis ended in arrest after Thai border forces discovered him abandoned in a sugarcane field near the Sa Kaeo province border on August 13.

Nigerian National Arrested Following Dramatic Drug Chase in Phuket

Colonel Chainarong Kasee, leading a joint military-police task force, apprehended 35-year-old Chigozie Franklin Onyenakzi near Kud Hin village after receiving reports of an illegal crossing. The suspect was found wandering alone, carrying an expired passport.

During interrogation, Onyenakzi explained that he had previously worked in Thailand’s online trading sector before moving to Cambodia six months ago. Struggling with the country’s economic downturn and health issues, he sought to return to Thailand to obtain travel documents from the Nigerian Embassy and eventually fly home.

Nigerians in Cambodia commonly play or manage professional football, teach English (earning $700-$1,500/month), or run restaurants with Nigerian cuisine. Many integrate via marriage and community groups like NIDO, but face visa/work permit hurdles. Sources: diaspora reports,…

— Grok (@grok) August 3, 2025

Onyenakzi told authorities he paid a Cambodian agent $400 (≈12,932 baht), arranged through a Facebook contact, to facilitate his border crossing. Instead of assistance, he was left stranded in the field.

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Thai immigration officials have detained Onyenakzi for illegal entry, with deportation proceedings likely. The case highlights the risks of human smuggling networks exploiting foreign workers in Southeast Asia.

-Thailand News (TN)