27-8-2023 (BANGKOK) In a recent operation conducted by the Thai Navy, a Vietnamese fishing boat was apprehended and its crew of five were arrested for engaging in illegal fishing within Thai territorial waters. The incident took place on Saturday, prompting swift action from the naval authorities to address the violation.
Vice Admiral Jaraskiat Chaiyaphan, the commander of the 2nd Naval Area and director of the Region 2 Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Centre, informed reporters that the Navy’s coastal patrol boat Tor 114 was deployed to investigate the reported presence of Vietnamese fishing boats in Thai waters. The area under scrutiny was located approximately 51 nautical miles from the mouth of the Songkhla navigation channel.
Upon reaching the designated area, the navy patrol discovered a fleet of 15 Vietnamese fishing boats actively engaged in fishing activities south of Ko Kra island. However, as soon as the naval presence was detected, the fishing boats swiftly fled, prompting a pursuit by the navy patrol boat.
Despite the evasive maneuvers employed by the Vietnamese fishing boats, the Thai Navy managed to successfully intercept and seize one of the vessels. Regrettably, the remaining boats managed to escape across the border into Vietnamese waters.
The seized vessel, along with its crew, was transported to the Songkhla naval base, where it arrived at approximately 9pm on Saturday. The five crew members were subsequently handed over to the local police authorities for further legal proceedings.
Illegal fishing activities in Thai waters pose a significant threat to the marine ecosystem and the sustainability of fish stocks. The Thai authorities have been actively working to combat such violations and enforce maritime regulations to protect the country’s territorial waters. The recent operation serves as a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will face legal consequences.
