17-12-2024 (YANGON) Myanmar authorities have handed down severe prison sentences to four Thai nationals following their arrest in contested waters last November, marking a significant escalation in maritime tensions between the neighbouring countries.
The Kawthaung Provincial Court delivered its verdict on Monday, imposing a six-year prison term on the Thai fishing vessel’s owner. The sentence comprises five years for unauthorised fishing in Myanmar waters and an additional year for illegal entry. The court also ordered the owner to pay a fine of 200,000 kyats (approximately £3,000).
Three other Thai crew members received four-year sentences each, with three years for illegal fishing and one year for unlawful entry. Each must also pay a fine of 30,000 kyats.
The arrests stemmed from a violent confrontation on 30 November when Myanmar naval forces intercepted three Thai fishing vessels near Koh Yan Chueak. The incident, which occurred in disputed waters approximately 20 kilometres west of Koh Phayam, turned deadly when Myanmar warships opened fire on the vessels.
During the encounter, crew members of the “Ranong 333” desperately jumped overboard to escape the gunfire, resulting in one fatality by drowning. The “Charoenchai 8” was also captured, whilst the “Mahalapthanawat 4” reported two injured crew members—one from gunshot wounds and another from electrocution.
The Myanmar authorities detained a total of 31 crew members, including the four Thai nationals and 27 Myanmar citizens. Initially, Thai diplomatic channels suggested a swift resolution, with expectations of the Thai crew members’ release. However, the court’s decision has dashed these hopes.
The Thai government had previously lodged a formal protest against Myanmar’s use of force against the unarmed fishing vessels. This latest development threatens to further strain diplomatic relations between the two nations, particularly regarding maritime boundary disputes and fishing rights in the Andaman Sea.
