Some who did not make it out to sea were even less fortunate, trapped in squalid jungle prison camps run by smugglers, who prevented them from leaving while demanding extra payments from their families back home.

Those accused of taking part in the human-trafficking operation range from local administrative staff and civilians to high-ranking military officials.

Extensive investigation

The years-long probe into the case with as many as 80-plus police detectives at one point finally ended in court Wednesday.

Speaking Wednesday from Australia, Maj. Gen. Paween Pongsirin told CNN the investigation "has just started, there are many more higher-up officials involved in this ring."

Paween, who said he was at the final stages of applying for asylum in Australia, expressed sadness for how much corruption there was in Thailand.

"(However), the trial was beset by unchecked threats against witnesses, interpreters, and police investigators," the group warned, adding "Thailand has a long way to go to ensure justice for thousands who were exploited, tortured, and killed by human traffickers during the last several years."

The judge began reading verdicts for the more than 100 suspects at about 8.30 a.m. local time and did not finish until more than 12 hours later as he detailed the roles of each defendant in the smuggling ring.

They ranged from transporters to financiers, from agents to guards, and those overseeing everything.

Due to the number of people being tried, the defendants listened to the verdict from prison.

Those found guilty Wednesday can still appeal their cases to the Court of Appeals and then Supreme Court.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported the number of people convicted. It is 62.