A Myanmar fishing boat has been seized, and its six crew members arrested for smuggling in Ranong, southern Thailand. The incident occurred after officials discovered a significant quantity of salt-fermented shrimp aboard the vessel.
Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 reported that naval officers were dispatched to Waithong pier in tambon Pak Nam, Ranong, at 9pm yesterday, December 14. This action followed a tip-off about a vessel illegally transporting fishery products into Thailand.
Upon arrival, officials found a Myanmar boat docked at the pier, crewed by six individuals. The vessel lacked the necessary permit for importing fishery products into the country.
A thorough search revealed 2,000 sacks, each containing 20 kilograms of fermented shrimp, amounting to 40,000 kilograms in total. The crew members were subsequently taken to Pak Nam police station to face legal proceedings.
This seizure has heightened tensions in the region, particularly following an incident two weeks ago when a Myanmar patrol boat opened fire on 15 fishing boats in Myanmar waters near Ranong. Four Thai fishermen remain detained in Kawthaung, Myanmar, across from Ranong, reported Bangkok Post.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, plans to travel to Myanmar on December 12. The visit aims to negotiate the release of the detained Thai fishermen.
In related news, prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the four Thai crew members detained in Myanmar are anticipated to be released shortly after the new year. The crew, held following a maritime incident, are awaiting the conclusion of Myanmar’s legal processes, though their safety remains uncompromised.
The Thai foreign minister and his Myanmar counterpart are scheduled to meet on December 19. As of now, the release of the four is still pending Myanmar’s legal procedures. But there isn’t any problem with their safety, the Thai premier stated.
Considering the outcome of previous informal talks, everything, including the paperwork, should be done shortly after the new year.
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