The Royal Thai Navy impounded five Vietnamese fishing boats found illegally trawling Thai waters.
The HTMS Hua Hin and patrol boat 111 discovered the boats fishing for squid and sea snakes about 70 nautical miles off Koh Jung May 13.
The boats were blockaded and 43 crewmembers arrested and taken to the Sattahip Naval Station. They were charged with fishing in Thailand’s economic zone, entering the kingdom illegally and violating the Fisheries Act.
The HTMS Hua Hin, with machine gun at the ready, pulls up alongside one of five Vietnamese fishing boats found illegally trawling Thai waters.
Vice Adm. Suchip Wangmitee said the Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center is working proactively to thwart illegal fishing, as well as human trafficking, so Thailand can meet the European Union’s deadline to eradicate illegal, unreported and unregistered fishing.
