The Royal Thai Navy arrested 54 Vietnamese fishermen and seized seven boats found operating illegally in Sattahip Bay.
Sailors from the HTMS Takbai and HTMS Tor 112 surrounded the boats Nov. 29 about 90 miles from Koh Chuang. Inspections of the boats’ holds found hundreds of sea snakes in plastic cans and some squid.
The crewmen were charged with violating Thai territorial waters, entering the kingdom illegally and violating fishing treaties.
The Royal Thai Navy arrested 54 Vietnamese fishermen and seized seven boats found operating illegally in Sattahip Bay.
Navy Capt. Samrerng Janso said 60 Vietnamese boats have been seized in the area recently, all fishing for sea snakes, which bring 500-1,000 baht each in China. They are valued, he said, for believed medicinal properties including anti-aging, sexual enhancement and treatment of many diseases.
Squid, he added, can be sold for 800-1,000 baht per kilogram.
