Furthermore, Thai authorities stopped and inspected three vans at a checkpoint in Thong Pha Phum, arresting a total of 133 Myanmar nationals, 72 men and 41 women, who had illegally crossed the border. Similarly, seven Myanmar workers were arrested after being spotted hiding in a car traveling on a highway in Bang Lamung Township, Chonburi Province, Thai media reported. The arrested migrant workers told Thai authorities that they had paid smugglers between THB 15,000 and 30,000 in hopes of entering Thailand illegally to work, according to Thai media. Thai authorities have stepped up security along the border and are arresting illegal Myanmar workers more aggressively. Also in August, nearly 900 Myanmar nationals were arrested for entering Thailand through illegal routes, Thai media reported.