BANGKOK, Thailand – The four Thai fishermen captured by Myanmar’s navy last week are safe and efforts are underway to bring them home soon, Thailand’s top military commander has confirmed, Dec 3.
The incident occurred on November 30 when Myanmar navy vessels, claiming that a group of Thai fishing boats had entered Myanmar’s maritime waters allegedly fired upon Thai fishing boats and seized one. It resulted in casualties and multiple crew members being held.
Armed forces commander-in-chief Gen Songwit Noonphakdi provided an update on the situation, stating that both the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are actively engaged in negotiations to secure the release of the fishermen. Investigations are also ongoing to determine the exact circumstances leading to the incident, which resulted in casualties and the capture of the Thai crew.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Thanathip Sawangsaeng, revealed that due to a change in leadership within Myanmar’s Township Border Committee (TBC), there might be a slight delay in the repatriation process. However, he expressed optimism that the Thai fishermen could be returned within the next one to two days.
“Once the new TBC chairman is in place, we expect a meeting to be held in Kawthaung, Myanmar,” Maj. Gen. Thanathip said. “We anticipate that the fishermen will be transferred to Kawthaung for this meeting, and their repatriation will follow shortly after.”
The spokesperson also emphasized Thailand’s commitment to humanitarian principles, assuring that the welfare of the 31 Myanmar fishermen who were also on board the Thai vessel is being monitored.
While the exact circumstances leading to the incident are still under investigation, the National Fisheries Association of Thailand has asserted that the Thai fishing vessels did not intrude into Myanmar’s territorial waters. The association pointed to the use of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) which can track the real-time location of fishing vessels, and warned that any false accusations could negatively impact Thailand’s seafood exports. (TNA)
