Bangkok, May 19 (IANS): With the issuance of six warrants by Thailand police on Tuesday, the number of suspects arrested for migrant trafficking in the southern provinces of the country has increased to 71.

Allegedly involved in the illegal trafficking of migrants in Surat Thani, Songkhla, Satun and Ranong provinces of Thailand, 33 suspects have been arrested and 38 are yet to be apprehended, reported the Bangkok Post.

The detained suspects include a policeman in Surat Thani province and Pajjuban "Ko Tong" Angchotiphan, former president of the Satun provincial administration organisation.

According to a police source, Ko Tong, who surrendered to police on Monday, has denied all charges.

The source said there was enough evidence to prosecute Ko Tong and his assets would also be seized in the near future.

He added that more suspects would be soon identified and detained.

The investigation into migrant trafficking in the country is expected to end by mid-June