Myanmar Vessel Seized After Smuggling Over 5 Tonnes of Clams into Thai Waters

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

Authorities have intercepted a Myanmar fishing boat smuggling over five tonnes of clams into Thai waters off the coast of Ranong, in what officials described as a covert attempt to blend in with legitimate trade operations.

The operation, carried out late on 14 May and continuing into the early hours of 15 May, was led by the Surin Islands Maritime Task Force (Phang Nga), under the direction of Mr. Sitthiphon Muangsong, Director of the Fisheries Inspection Division, and Mr. Prasan Sr-Ngam, Director of the Krabi Marine Fisheries Protection and Suppression Centre. The mission was overseen on the ground by Lt. Prasert Khongyian and included five officers working in coordination with Ranong’s provincial fisheries office and border inspection authorities.

While conducting routine marine patrols near a floating seafood dock in Pak Khlong village, officers observed a large long-tail boat flying a Myanmar flag. A group of Myanmar crew members was seen unloading sacks filled with clams. Officers waited until all sacks had been offloaded before approaching for inspection.

The crew failed to produce the required import documentation. In contrast, other vessels at the same location, belonging to Thai business operators, were able to present valid import permits issued by Ranong’s aquatic animal checkpoint.

Authorities seized a total of 146 sacks of live clams, each weighing approximately 40 kilograms, amounting to 5,840 kilograms in total. Mr. Thiti Lohapiyaphan, Inspector General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives for Region 6, was present to observe the operation as part of his field visit to assess enforcement of national fisheries policies.

Officials noted that smugglers typically receive advance warning of patrols and evade capture, but in this case, it appears the vessel attempted to mask its illegal cargo among legitimate traders.

The crew members have been handed over to Pak Nam police station for legal proceedings, while the confiscated clams will be returned to the sea to replenish natural stocks. Authorities hope this move will benefit local, law-abiding fishers. A portion of the clams will also be donated to schools in need, to be used in preparing meals for students.

The operation reflects Thailand’s ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities along its borders and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-05-16.