Myanmar to release Thai fishermen, fostering regional peace

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

By Bright Choomanee

 

Myanmar’s impending release of four Thai fishermen, captured in disputed waters off Ranong province last month, demonstrates its commitment to fostering regional peace. This assurance emerged during an informal consultation in Bangkok, where Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa engaged representatives from six regional countries to tackle transnational crime and related issues.

 

The meeting saw participation from key regional figures, including Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Bangladesh Adviser for Foreign Affairs Touhid Hossain, Myanmar Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Than Swe, and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane.

 

It marked a significant milestone as the first such gathering of Myanmar with all five of its neighbouring countries, highlighting their collective resolve to address shared challenges. Maris revealed that during discussions with Myanmar, he received confirmation of the imminent release of the fishermen.

 

“I have received official confirmation from Than Swe that the Myanmar government will release these four fishermen soon.”

 

He stressed that both nations are committed to preventing similar incidents in the future through collaborative efforts.

 

 

Thai fishermen

 

Meanwhile, a court in Myanmar’s Kawthaung Township has sentenced the fishing boat owner to six years of imprisonment and fined him 200,000 kyat (approximately 3,240 baht) (US$95) while the other three crew members face four-year sentences and a 20,000 kyat (US$9.5) fine each. Earlier, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had assured the media that the fishermen would be released by January 4.

 

The multilateral meeting in Bangkok also facilitated candid and constructive dialogue among the participating countries. Maris emphasised the importance of engaging Myanmar and its neighbours in direct conversations to address the country’s ongoing crisis.

 

The discussions enabled neighbouring countries to gain a deeper understanding of Myanmar’s sensitivities.

 

Than Swe updated the attendees on Myanmar’s political developments, including preparations for a national election. Myanmar has completed a population census, and 53 political parties are registered, as reported by Maris, quoting Than Swe.

 

“Myanmar intends to invite election observers from neighbouring countries,” Maris added, reflecting an openness to international scrutiny.

 

Maris reiterated the collective hope for a peaceful, stable, and unified Myanmar, urging all conflicting parties to abandon violence in favour of dialogue. Than Swe assured the group that Myanmar is open to discussions aimed at peaceful resolutions through political processes, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Additionally, the meeting addressed critical issues such as border security, transboundary crime, drug and human trafficking, and online scams, said Maris.

 

“All six countries want to elevate close collaboration to tackle these problems. This collaboration would involve enhanced information sharing and legal enforcement cooperation.”

 

Maris also engaged in discussions with Indian representatives regarding the reopening of Asian Highway 1, which has been impacted by the Myanmar crisis.

 

“This highway is important to people from these three countries as it connects South and Southeast Asia through Thailand, Myanmar, and India.”

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-12-20

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

I have lost count of the number of times now that this has been said.

Yet - they are still in gaol.

One should not believe illegal military governments.

[NoDisplayName]

14 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

I have lost count of the number of times now that this has been said.

Yet - they are still in gaol.

One should not believe illegal military governments.

 

It won't be a lie or deceptive until.......

 

30 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Earlier, Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had assured the media that the fishermen would be released by January 4.

 

[Srikcir]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

where Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa engaged representatives from six regional countries to tackle transnational crime and related issues.

 

The meeting saw participation from key regional figures, including Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong

If there's one thing China understands, it is international transactional crime, aka its claim of sovereignty over the entire China South Seas irrespective of the ruling by the international tribunal in The Hague. The ruling declared large areas of the sea to be neutral international waters or the exclusive economic zones of other countries.

In the subject territorial dispute China has no "ownership" other than to preserve a favorable authoritarian government to its south, ie., versus a potential elected democratic government.

Thailand should reject China's involvement in this territorial dispute as it has "No Standing," but then Thailand  seems willing to sacrifice its sovereignty in exchange for Chinese tourism. Certainly China would understand, as China objects to the USA having no standing in its supporting The Philippines sovereign rights to portions of the China South Seas; nor even the USA Navy's right to even traverse China South Seas waters.

[Burma Bill]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Myanmar’s impending release of four Thai fishermen, captured in disputed waters off Ranong

 

Has a swap been brokered?

 

RANONG: A Myanmar fishing boat has been confiscated and its six crewmen arrested for smuggling in this southern province after 40,000 kilogrammes of salt-fermented shrimp were found on board.

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[Bannoi]

Thai fishermen are poor they have no money or influence therefore the Thai Government don't really give a toss just lip service.

 

Though when they get the submarine they can use it to tow their Aircraft Carrier to the disputed waters.

 

That will make those pesky Myanmarian Juntanees poop themselves.

[Briggsy]

The Myanmar military rulers have a great deal on their plate at present and need to keep anyone they can onside. They are in an extremely weak position. You can be sure that Thailand's actions towards the junta's enemies particularly the KNLA came up in the negotiations.