Thai authorities have seized more than US$3 million worth of assets believed to belong to people who smuggle ethnic Rohingya Muslim smugglers from Myanmar, a report said today.

The Anti-money Laundering Office seized the equivalent of about US$1 million in bank accounts belonging to the alleged traffickers.

The Bangkok Post reported that officials were also monitoring recent transactions made to the bank account of General Manas Kongpang, the most-senior official arrested for smuggling of the refugees.

The plight of Rohingya migrants has been at the centre of a regional crisis since mass graves containing the remains of dozens of refugees were found in Thailand last month. Another site containing more bodies was found in Malaysia.

The ensuing outcry led to government crackdowns on human trafficking networks, leading to thousands of migrants being stranded in boats off the coasts of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Rights groups accuse high-ranking officials within the Thai army and government of abetting the trade.

- dpa