Navy Detains Cambodian Boat in Thai Waters

The Royal Thai Navy Region 1 has detained a Cambodian fishing vessel for entering Thai waters, detaining three crew members found without documents. The vessel was intercepted at coordinates latitude 11°31.51’ North and longitude 102°53.40’ East. Authorities confirmed the crew are now facing legal proceedings under Thai law.

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On 22 February 2026, the commander of patrol boat Tor.996 reported the arrest of one Cambodian-flagged fishing boat within Thai territorial waters. Upon inspection, officers found three Cambodian nationals on board who were unable to communicate in Thai. None were able to produce identification documents or legal paperwork for entering or operating in Thai waters.

Picture courtesy of Naewna

Officials discovered two crates of fresh squid on the vessel. The crew later admitted, through a translator, they had been fishing in Thai waters for two days. The vessel and its crew were taken into custody at Khlong Yai Multipurpose Port.

The Navy coordinated with the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Trat Province) to deploy a multidisciplinary team to conduct further checks and process the case. Authorities said the matter is currently under investigation and legal proceedings are being carried out in accordance with Thai law. No additional details regarding charges or penalties have yet been released.

The arrest comes amid continued maritime enforcement efforts along the Thai–Cambodian border. Naewna reported that authorities will complete questioning of the crew and verify their identities and documentation status. Further legal action will proceed under relevant Thai maritime and immigration laws. Officials have stated that enforcement operations in territorial waters will continue as part of ongoing border security measures.

Key Takeaways

• A Cambodian fishing boat was arrested in Thai waters on 22 February 2026.

• Three Cambodian crew members were found without identification or legal documents.

• The vessel was seized and taken to Khlong Yai Multipurpose Port for legal proceedings.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 23 Feb 2026

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