Royal Thai Navy Nabs Indonesian Boats in High-Seas Sting

Royal Thai Navy Nabs Indonesian Boats in High-Seas Sting

The Royal Thai Navy has seized two Indonesian fishing boats and arrested 18 crew members for illegally operating in Thai waters near Phuket. Acting on a tip-off, the HTMS Longlom intercepted the vessels 80 nautical miles southwest of Phuket on May 19. The operation was part of Thailand’s “Seal, Stop, Save” maritime security campaign. Despite rough seas, the boats were escorted to Thap Lamu Pier, where the crew was handed over for legal proceedings. Authorities stress that illegal fishing threatens marine ecosystems, the economy, and national security, and call on locals to report suspicious maritime activity.