Picture courtesy of RTN.

 

The Royal Thai Navy’s Second Fleet intercepted a Vietnamese fishing vessel illegally harvesting sea cucumbers near the shore of Ranot District, Songkhla Province. This marks the third such arrest this month as poachers target marine resources amidst rough sea conditions, which make sea cucumbers easier to collect.

 

At 16.00 on 27 January, Vice Admiral Nares Wongtragoon, Commander of the Second Naval Area Command and Director of the Maritime National Interest Protection Centre, led a press conference at the Songkhla Naval Base. The arrest involved one Vietnamese fishing vessel, its captain, and five crew members. The boat was seized 65 kilometres off the coast of Nakhon Si Thammarat, carrying sea cucumbers and various other marine species.

 

The operation began the previous evening (26 January) when a Dornier 228 reconnaissance aircraft and Patrol Boat 995 from the Second Fleet detected the Vietnamese vessel illegally fishing just 69 kilometres east of the Ranot coastline. The boat attempted to flee but was pursued and eventually detained.

 

Vice Admiral Nares revealed that this was the third such incident in January. A total of three boats and 15 crew members have been apprehended, with each vessel valued at approximately two million baht.

 

The rough sea conditions during this period cause sea cucumbers to surface, making them easier to harvest. As a result, poachers have been venturing closer to the shore. The fishing method also involves dragging a rake-like tool with hooks, which not only collects sea cucumbers but also destroys other marine life, causing severe ecological damage, he explained.

 

The Vietnamese boats, upon capture, are permanently confiscated and not returned. The crew members face prosecution under fisheries and immigration laws. Despite the risks of arrest, poachers continue their activities due to the high market value of processed sea cucumbers, which are sold as performance-enhancing tonics or supplements at prices ranging from 300 to 500 baht per kilogram.

 

Authorities remain vigilant in protecting marine resources from illegal and destructive practices.

 

-- 2025-01-28

 

 

Someone doesn't like competition. 

5 hours ago, Elkski said:

Someone doesn't like competition. 

 

Obviously Thai Navy