KAWTHAUNG – A Myanmar court has sentenced four Thai fishermen to prison terms for illegally fishing in Myanmar waters, Dec 17.
The sentencing follows a November incident where a Myanmar naval vessel opened fire on a group of Thai fishing boats, resulting in one death and the detention of 31 Thai and Myanmar fishermen.
The Thai fishing vessel, Sor Charoenchai 8, was seized by the Myanmar Navy and brought to Myanmar. The court in Kawthaung sentenced the boat captain to six years in prison for illegal fishing and illegal entry into Myanmar and fined 200,000 kyats, which is equivalent to 2,348 Thai baht. Three other Thai crew members received four-year sentences for the same offenses and fined 30,000 kyats, which is equivalent to 487 Thai baht.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed receiving a report on the case and stated that the legal process is ongoing. She expressed hope for potential pardons.
Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa explained that the sentencing is a standard procedure in Myanmar for maritime boundary violations. He assured that Thailand is actively working with Myanmar to secure an early release for the fishermen.
Despite the harsh sentences, the Foreign Minister expressed optimism that the strong bilateral ties between the two countries would facilitate a pardon. He clarified that the recent detention of Myanmar nationals in Thai waters is an unrelated matter.
In the latest development, sources in Kawthaung suggest that the court’s decision to impose relatively lenient sentences was a special consideration. It is anticipated that the Myanmar government will pardon the Thai fishermen on Myanmar Independence Day, January 4, 2025. (TNA)
