Third Naval Area Command Seizes Two Illegal Indonesian Fishing Vessels near Phuket

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

The Royal Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area Command has apprehended two Indonesian fishing boats and 18 crew members for illegal fishing activities in Thai territorial waters southwest of Phuket Island.

Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul, Commander of the Third Naval Area Command and Director of the Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Centre Region 3, personally oversaw the operation, which culminated in the vessels being escorted to Tab Lamu Pier in Phang Nga’s Mueang district.

The vessels were intercepted by HTMS Long Lom, a patrol ship assigned to maritime security in the Andaman Sea. The boats were detected fishing unlawfully approximately 80 nautical miles off the coast of Phuket. The operation took place in challenging weather conditions, which delayed the vessels’ arrival at the pier from an expected 03.00 to 10.00.

Upon arrival, the suspects were handed over to a multidisciplinary team of officials who initiated formal investigations and legal proceedings. Authorities have confirmed that the 18 crew members, all Indonesian nationals, are now in custody and will face charges under fisheries and immigration laws.

The Thai Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s maritime sovereignty and resources, adding that further updates on the investigation will be released in due course.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-21.