The navy seized three Thai boats violating new rules aimed at preventing illegal fishing practices.
The Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center’s patrol boat Tor 994 captured the boats about 10 nautical miles off Koh Si Chang Dec. 21.
The Prasitporn 14, owned by Som Kietkatok, 63, and Prasitporn 10, owned Tawatchai Jaroennirun, 56, were impounded for having specifications different than stated on their vessel registrations.
Both had reported for their port departures at Khlong Dan Port in Samut Parka on Dec. 16.
The Royal Thai Navy impounded three vessels at the Sattahip Naval Base pending legal proceedings for violating new rules aimed at preventing illegal fishing practices.
In addition, the Saknavypron 4 piloted by Kasithorn Saknavyporn, 28, contained different fishing equipment than stated on its departure form filed at Mae Klong harbor in Samut Songkram on Dec. 10.
All three vessels were impounded at the Sattahip Naval Base pending legal proceedings.
The arrests come as the navy continues vigilant patrols against boats violating rules enacted this summer to eradicate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing as defined by the European Union, which has threatened Thailand with a seafood ban if it doesn’t stamp out such practices in its fishing industry.
