Myanmar vessel attacks Thai fishing boats: one killed, 31 captured
Thai patrol boat arrived at scene to assist, transported injured to Ranong
Early on Saturday, a Myanmar warship opened fire on three Thai fishing vessels operating in Thai waters, resulting in the death of one crew member and the capture of 31 others.
Reports indicate that the vessels were fishing around 20 kilometres west of Koh Phayam when they were approached by Myanmar boats, prompting the Thai fishermen to attempt an escape by cutting their nets and accelerating their engines.
Initial information from local authorities, including Somsup Chittatham, indicated that two Thai fishing boats, “Ranong 333” and “Charoenchai 8”, were taken into Myanmar waters, while two crew members from the “Mahalapthanawat 4” sustained injuries, one due to gunfire from the Myanmar vessel and another from electrocution.
The Thai patrol boat T.274, stationed near Koh Phayam, arrived at the scene to assist and ultimately transported the injured to Ranong, reaching the jetty around 3.30am.
The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre and the Ranong Provincial Police Department coordinated an emergency response with Ranong Hospital and the Ranong Songkhro Foundation to provide treatment for the injured.
Reports indicate that members of the “Ranong 333” crew jumped overboard to escape the gunfire; one of them drowned and is en route to Ranong for identification.
As of now, 31 crew members, comprising four Thais and 27 Burmese, have been detained by Myanmar authorities and are believed to have been taken to Yan Cheuk Island.
The Thai-Myanmar Maritime Border Fisheries Coordination Centre (SEA) has joined forces with the Thai-Myanmar Local Border Committee to formally protest the incursion of Myanmar's patrol vessels into Thai waters and the subsequent towing of Thai boats. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the detained fishermen.
