6-12-2024 (BANGKOK) In a diplomatic development following last weekend’s naval confrontation, Myanmar authorities have freed four Thai fishermen who were among those detained after Myanmar’s navy opened fire on Thai fishing vessels, the Thai Foreign Ministry announced today.
The incident, which occurred in Myanmar’s territorial waters, resulted in one fatality and two injuries when Myanmar naval forces engaged a group of Thai fishing boats. The deceased fisherman drowned during the confrontation, which led to the subsequent detention of 31 crew members, including the four Thai nationals who have now been released.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura confirmed that Thai officials have been stationed at the border checkpoint, ready to facilitate the returning fishermen’s re-entry into Thailand. The announcement marks a positive step in resolving the diplomatic tension between the neighbouring countries.
Defence ministry reports indicate that the confrontation took place when two vessels from a group of 15 Thai fishing boats were detected between 7.4 and 10.6 kilometres inside Myanmar’s sovereign waters, near Thailand’s Ranong province. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maritime boundaries and fishing rights in the region.
