On board one of the
vessels, navy officers found this bucket of sea snakes that were
captured for their venom.
Patcharapol
Panrak
The Royal Thai Navy captured two Vietnamese
fishing boats trawling Thai waters near Sattahip, but as many as
five more are suspected to be working illegally in the area.
Responding to a complaint from the Rayong Fishing
Association, Region 1 navy headquarters dispatched a patrol plane to
scout waters about 70 miles south of Koh Chuang June 27. The pilot
spotted seven Vietnamese boats operating about 20-30 miles from each
other. In response, the Navy dispatched the HTMS Su Pairin to
intercept the craft.
By the time the patrol boat arrived, only two
boats remained in the area. And as one was pulled alongside, a large
wave capsized one fishing boat, sending eight Vietnamese tumbling
into the sea. They were rescued without injury.
Navy officials brought the fishermen, their boats
and equipment back to Sattahip where they were inspected. In the
hold of the remaining boat investigators discovered a bucket full of
sea snakes, which they later learned were to be use to make drugs.
All the captives were processed for deportation.
Vice Adm. Chumpol Wongwaekhin said the Navy has
received numerous complaints recently about Vietnamese boats
violating Thai territorial waters to fish. However, since the boats
generally operate far apart from each other, most are able to
escape.
