BANGKOK, March 28 – Indonesia has not banned Thai fishing trawlers from entering its waters after two Indonesian naval personnel were killed, according to a senior Thai official.
Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Surapong Tovochakchaikul said Indonesian authorities have, instead, imposed stricter measures on Thai trawlers.
Thai fishing boats have not entered Indonesian waters since two Indonesian naval personnel were killed by Thai fishermen on March 9. They were assaulted as they searched the Thai vessel and were later thrown into the sea.
Mr Surapong said a Thai investigation team initially concluded that eight people were involved in the case. Three were arrested and five others remain at large.
The Indonesian government has asked Thailand to prosecute the eight suspects though the Thai authorities are ready to extradite them to the neighbouring country for trial if requested, he said.
Mr Surapong is scheduled to meet with his Indonesian counterpart today to report progress on the case.
He called on Thai fishermen to abide by the laws of neighbouring countries while fishing in their territorial waters.
