Myanmar Navy Fires on Thai Fishing Boats in Thai Waters, Seizing Two Vessels

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A dramatic confrontation unfolded in the Andaman Sea as three Myanmar navy vessels opened fire on a group of Thai fishing boats operating within Thai territorial waters, approximately five nautical miles west of Koh Phayam. Amid the chaos, two Thai fishing boats were seized, and their crews narrowly escaped with their lives. Authorities have launched diplomatic protests and negotiations to address the incident.

 

The Ranong Marine Security Command Center (RMSCC) reported that the attack occurred early on November 30, when a fleet of approximately 50 Thai fishing vessels was laying nets in Thai waters. Three Myanmar navy ships suddenly approached and began firing at the boats. The fishing crews were forced to abandon their nets and flee towards Koh Phayam, where two Thai naval patrol boats, T.274 and T.993, were stationed.

 

Two Thai fishing boats, Duang Thawee Phon 333 and Sor Charoen Chai 8, failed to escape and were boarded by the Myanmar navy. Some of their crews leapt into the sea and were later rescued by nearby fishing boats. Unfortunately one crew member was pulled dead from the water and had drown. 

 

The vessels were seized and towed back into Myanmar waters near Kawthaung, it is believed that 31 crews members were also still on the boats and detained.

 

A third Thai boat, Maha Lap Thanawat 4, was also targeted. The vessel’s captain, 47-year-old Sri Phet Buttat, displayed remarkable skill in evading capture. Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to the head, Sri Phet managed to steer his boat to safety, enduring heavy gunfire described as “a rain of bullets.” A crew member also suffered an electric shock while attempting to escape. Both were rescued and transported to Ranong Hospital for treatment.

 

At 00:30, Thai naval patrol boat T.274 received an emergency call and rendezvoused with the fishing boat near Koh Phayam at 13:15. The injured crew members were transferred to shore and received immediate medical attention. Sri Phet, with a head wound wrapped in gauze, recounted his harrowing experience, saying, “They fired continuously at my cabin. I couldn’t even raise my head, if I did, it would have been blown off.”

 

The fishing crews, while relieved to have survived, lamented the loss of their valuable equipment. Many had to abandon their black fishing nets, worth hundreds of thousands of baht, during the escape. The incident occurred during peak fishing season for mackerel, attracting fleets from nearby Phang Nga province to waters near Myanmar’s border.

 

The Thai-Myanmar Maritime Border Coordination Centre is currently investigating the incident and has lodged a formal protest with Myanmar authorities. Historically, relations between Ranong province and Myanmar’s Kawthaung region have been amicable, making the attack a surprising escalation. Officials are seeking explanations for the Myanmar navy’s actions and the return of the seized vessels.

 

This incident highlights the dangers faced by Thai fishermen working near disputed maritime boundaries and underscores the need for stronger measures to ensure their safety. Negotiations between the two nations are ongoing.

 

-- 2024-12-01

 

 

[watchcat]

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Unfortunately one crew member was pulled dead from the water and had drown. 

 

Murder!

[JoePai]

Now where's that sub when you need it   😂

[Tropicalevo]

And Thailand is supporting this illegal military regime that has invaded it's waters, stolen boats and kidnapped its own people.

Shame on you Thailand.