The Thai government has lodged a formal protest with Myanmar following the seizure of a Thai fishing boat and its crew after an attack by Myanmar vessels off the coast of Ranong early Saturday. The incident resulted in one fatality and two injuries among the Thai fishing crews.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, during a cabinet meeting in Chiang Rai on Sunday, condemned the use of violence and assured the public of the government’s commitment to resolving the situation. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that Thai officials from the Thai-Myanmar Township Border Committee (TBC) had sent a formal protest letter demanding the return of the seized fishing boat and the release of its four Thai crew members.
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa announced plans to summon the Myanmar ambassador to Thailand on Monday to discuss the issue and press for the immediate release of the Thai crew. “The four crew members are safe and in good condition,” Maris stated.
The vessel, Sor Charoenchai 8, was seized along with its 31 crew members, including four Thai citizens and 27 Myanmar nationals. The boat was reportedly towed to Zedetkyi Island, also known as Yan Cheuk, following the incident.
Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, confirmed ongoing negotiations for the release of the Thai crew and the vessel, with expectations for their release “within days.”
Witness accounts indicated that the attack occurred approximately 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) off Koh Phayam in Ranong. Around 15 Thai fishing boats were reportedly approached by three Myanmar patrol vessels, which opened fire, prompting the fishermen to abandon their nets and flee.
Tragically, a crew member from one of the fishing boats drowned while trying to escape. Two others sustained injuries, one from gunfire and the other from electrocution, and were treated at a hospital in Ranong.
The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre reported that Myanmar patrol vessels had intercepted the Thai fishing boats about 20 kilometers west of Koh Phayam. While most boats escaped, one vessel and its crew were seized and taken into Myanmar waters.
The Thai government is working with Myanmar authorities to determine the exact location of the incident and prevent further escalations, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions to maritime disputes.
