Dhaka, April 10 -- Thai authorities have arrested 21 Bangladeshi nationals and a Myanmar woman after uncovering a suspected illegal transit operation in a seaside resort, where the group was reportedly waiting to be moved onward to Malaysia following unlawful entry into the country.

They were found hidden in a seaside resort in Chana on Wednesday early hours, reports The Bangkok Post.

The group, which was taken to the resort on Tuesday, was later charged with illegal entry and stay.

A retired Thai civil servant, who owned the facility, was also arrested in the raid by immigration officers and tourist police.

The Bangladeshis reportedly told investigators they had paid brokers Tk 700,000 each for passage to Malaysia.

They first flew t...