Indonesian Fishing Boat Seized for Illegally Operating in Thai Waters Near Koh Lipe

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A foreign fishing vessel believed to be Indonesian was intercepted and seized by Thai authorities after it was found illegally operating in Thai territorial waters near Koh Lipe. Five Indonesian nationals, including the boat’s captain and four crew members, were taken into custody.

The operation was led by Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Director of the Third Naval Area Command’s Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC Region 3). Acting on intelligence from the Satun Provincial Vessel Monitoring Centre, Navy personnel launched a patrol to investigate a suspicious vessel operating west of Koh Lipe, approximately 13.75 nautical miles offshore.

Naval forces deployed a high-speed patrol boat, “MECC 4006,” and rigid inflatable boats to the area. Upon locating the vessel, authorities boarded and detained all crew members without resistance. The boat and its crew were then escorted to Koh Lipe for legal processing.

All five men, confirmed to be Indonesian nationals, are currently in police custody while legal proceedings are initiated. Initial reports suggest the vessel had been illegally fishing in Thai waters, in violation of the country’s maritime sovereignty and resource protection laws.

Rear Admiral Sentaibua Buanium, Deputy Director of the Satun MECC, praised the swift coordination between local fishing networks and maritime authorities. The suspicious vessel was first spotted by local fishers, who promptly reported it to officials, a move that proved instrumental in the vessel’s capture.

Authorities have reiterated the importance of community cooperation in safeguarding Thailand’s marine resources and have reminded the public to report any suspicious maritime activity.