Thai maritime authorities have arrested 19 crew members after intercepting two Indonesian fishing vessels accused of illegally operating in Thai waters. The operation was carried out on 12 March 2026 by officials from the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (MECC Region 3), the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area Command and other related agencies.
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All 19 suspects were brought ashore at the Customs Pier in Phuket province and handed over to investigators at Wichit Police Station. Authorities confirmed the crew will face legal proceedings under Thai law for illegal fishing and entering Thailand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without authorisation.
The arrests followed a report from a network of fishing vessels operating in the area. The fishermen alerted authorities after spotting a group of five Indonesian fishing boats conducting fishing activities inside Thailand’s EEZ.
Officials determined the vessels were located about 87 nautical miles from the pier at the Phang Nga Naval Base. In response, the navy deployed the patrol vessel HTMS Klong Yai to investigate the situation.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
Upon arrival at the location, the patrol ship discovered Indonesian fishing boats actively engaged in fishing operations. According to authorities, the vessels attempted to flee when they noticed the Thai naval ship approaching.
HTMS Klong Yai pursued the boats and successfully intercepted two of them. A total of 19 crew members were found aboard the two vessels and were detained during the operation. The remaining vessels reportedly escaped the area before authorities could intercept them. Officials have not released further details about the identities of the detained crew members.
Illegal fishing in Thailand’s EEZ remains a recurring enforcement challenge in the Andaman Sea region. Authorities say such operations can harm marine resources and undermine local fishing communities that depend on regulated fishing zones.
Maritime officials emphasised that Thailand continues to strengthen patrols and coordination among enforcement agencies to prevent foreign fishing vessels from entering Thai waters illegally. The operation reflects ongoing monitoring efforts by the navy and maritime security authorities in southern waters.
Matichon reported that following their transfer to Wichit Police Station, investigators will proceed with legal action against the suspects in accordance with Thai maritime and fisheries laws. Authorities have not yet announced specific charges or potential penalties.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 13 Mar 2026