Vietnamese Fishing Boats Seized for Illegally Entering Thai Waters off Narathiwat

Pictures courtesy of CIB

In a maritime operation, The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), through the Marine Police Division, has intercepted and detained two Vietnamese fishing vessels illegally operating in Thai territorial waters off the coast of Narathiwat province.

A total of 15 Vietnamese nationals were arrested on multiple charges, including:

1. Illegal entry into the Kingdom of Thailand via an unauthorised route,

2. Unlawful stay in the country without permission,

3. Engaging in unauthorised commercial fishing within Thai waters, and

4. Operating unregistered (stateless) fishing vessels.

The arrest was made approximately 21 nautical miles east of the Bang Nara estuary, in an area aligned with Tambon Bang Nak, Mueang District, Narathiwat Province.

Marine Police patrol boat Pathumwan 2 (817) was dispatched after authorities received intelligence of unidentified vessels engaged in unauthorised fishing in Thai waters. Upon locating and boarding the two vessels, officers found that none of the crew could speak Thai or produce identification or documentation. A subsequent investigation with the help of an interpreter confirmed that all on board were Vietnamese nationals and that the vessels were operating without permission or registration.

Authorities seized the two fishing boats, along with their illegal catch of various fish and sea cucumbers, as evidence.

The operation was conducted under the directive of Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner of the CIB, alongside Pol. Maj. Gen. Setsathit Nippaya, Commander of the Marine Police Division.

The suspects were formally charged and transferred to Mueang Narathiwat Police Station for legal proceedings.

The CIB reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Thailand’s maritime sovereignty, stressing that illegal incursions into Thai waters will not be tolerated.

  Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-05-06.