Thailand is negotiating for the release of four Thai crew members detained by Myanmar after their fishing boat was seized early Friday morning. The Thai Defence Ministry has also expressed strong condemnation over a gun attack on 15 Thai fishing boats, reports Bangkok Post.
Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, confirmed on Sunday that Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has ordered Thai officials within the Thai-Myanmar Local Border Committee to engage with Myanmar authorities to secure the release of the four Thai crew members.
The four were part of a crew of 31 aboard the Sor Charoenchai 8, which was captured by Myanmar authorities on Friday. Of the 31 crew members, 27 are Myanmar nationals. The boat and crew were reportedly taken to Zedetkyi Island.
Thai officials remain hopeful that the four detained crew members, along with their fishing vessel, will be released in the coming days. The incident has heightened tensions between the two countries, with Thailand also protesting the recent gun attack on its fishing boats operating in the region.
Thai authorities are investigating an attack on 15 Thai fishing boats by Myanmar vessels, which occurred early Friday morning, about 12 nautical miles from Koh Phayam island in Ranong province. The investigation aims to determine the precise location and circumstances of the assault, according to Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng, spokesperson for the Defence Ministry.
In response, Thai officials have lodged a formal protest through diplomatic channels, urging Myanmar to consider whether the use of force was an overreaction. During the attack, one Thai crewmember, who had jumped into the sea to escape the gunfire, tragically drowned.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, speaking from Chiang Rai province on Sunday, condemned the violence and emphasized that the government was awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa confirmed that he had summoned the Myanmar ambassador to Bangkok on Monday to discuss the incident and press for the immediate release of the four Thai crewmembers detained by Myanmar. The minister reassured the public that the four Thai nationals were safe.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
