Laos deports 260 undocumented Myanmar nationals across Mekong River to Shan State

A group of Myanmar nationals deported from Laos gathers in Shan State’s Tachileik Township after being returned, via the Mekong River, on Aug. 24. (Credit: CJ)

Authorities in Laos deported 260 undocumented Myanmar nationals via motorboat across the Mekong River, delivering the group to Wanbon Port in Shan State’s Tachileik Township on Monday.

The group—comprising 170 men, 90 women, and two children—was rounded up during targeted enforcement sweeps in Laos’ Bokeo Province before being transported across the 148-mile (238 km) river border segment.

Growing migration pressure and enforcement crackdowns

• Post-Coup & Conscription Flight: The influx of working-age Myanmar citizens into Laos has increased sharply following the February 2021 military coup and the February 2024 activation of the military conscription law, as youth attempt to avoid forced enlistment.

• Lao Government Labor Audits: A national review conducted by Lao authorities in June 2026 identified 10,762 undocumented foreign workers across various sectors, triggering heightened workplace inspections and periodic deportation sweeps.

• Population Estimates: The regime’s Ministry of Labour estimated in January 2025 that approximately 60,000 undocumented Myanmar nationals reside and work across Laos.

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Border Logistics and Regional Context