Thai Navy Intercepts Cambodian Fishing Boats Near Koh Kood

Pictures courtesy of Amarin

The Royal Thai Navy’s First Naval Area Command deployed patrol vessels on 8 February 2026 to intercept approximately 25 Cambodian fishing boats that were found illegally operating in Thai territorial waters south of Koh Kood. The incident prompted an immediate security response, though no arrests were ultimately made as the vessels fled back into Cambodian waters.

According to the First Naval Area Command Operations Centre, naval authorities received intelligence reports from maritime sources indicating that a group of Cambodian-flagged fishing boats had crossed into Thai waters and were actively fishing. The vessels were detected around 2 kilometres inside Thai territorial waters, near bearing line 211, an area under routine naval surveillance.

Following the report, Vice Admiral Chalermchai Suankaew, Commander of the First Naval Area Command, ordered the Gulf of Thailand Protection Task Unit to respond without delay. Two Royal Thai Navy patrol vessels were dispatched to the location to investigate and enforce maritime law.

When the patrol vessels arrived, officers confirmed the presence of around 25 Cambodian fishing boats operating within Thai waters. The incursion, estimated at approximately 2 kilometres beyond the maritime boundary, was deemed a violation of both Thai law and international maritime regulations.

As the naval patrols moved in to take enforcement action, the fishing boats altered course and retreated rapidly towards Cambodian territorial waters. Due to the swift withdrawal, Thai naval forces were unable to detain or seize any of the vessels. Officials later confirmed that all boats had successfully returned to Cambodian waters.

The Royal Thai Navy stated that such incursions pose risks to national sovereignty, maritime security and Thailand’s marine resources. Illegal fishing in border areas remains a recurring challenge, particularly in zones close to disputed or sensitive maritime boundaries.

In response to the incident, the Gulf of Thailand Protection Task Unit has continued intensified patrol operations along bearing line 211. Naval units are maintaining heightened vigilance to monitor movements, deter further illegal fishing, and prevent actions that could affect Thailand’s maritime interests.

Naval authorities emphasised that regular patrols and rapid response measures are essential to safeguarding territorial integrity and ensuring sustainable management of marine resources. Coordination with intelligence sources at sea remains a key component of ongoing operations.

Amarin reported that the Royal Thai Navy is expected to maintain a strong presence in the area, with continued monitoring of cross-border fishing activity. Officials have indicated that enforcement measures will remain firm to prevent repeat incursions and uphold maritime law.

Key Takeaways

• The Royal Thai Navy detected and intercepted about 25 Cambodian fishing boats inside Thai waters on 8 February 2026.

• The vessels were found operating around 2 kilometres beyond the maritime boundary near Koh Kood before fleeing.

• Thai naval forces have stepped up patrols to deter further illegal fishing and protect national maritime interests.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Amarin 2026-02-09