Myanmar navy fires on Thai fishing boats, one dead, dozens detained

Thai navy patrol vessels at Ranong port near Myanmar border on Nov 30 following an incident with Myanmar naval forces EPA-Yonhap — Thai navy patrol vessels at Ranong port near Myanmar border on Nov. 30, 2024. EPA-Yonhap

SEOUL, December 2 (AJP) - Myanmar's navy fired upon Thai fishing vessels operating in Myanmar waters last Saturday, resulting in one fisherman drowning after jumping overboard while two others were rescued by Thai navy, Thailand's defense ministry said in a statement.

The incident occurred when three Myanmar patrol boats encountered 15 Thai fishing vessels, with two boats having ventured 7.4 to 10.6 kilometers into Myanmar's waters. Myanmar authorities detained 31 crew members, including four Thai nationals and 27 Myanmar citizens, from one of the vessels.

Thai Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai told reporters that Myanmar's navy may have only fired warning shots, while Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra instructed the foreign ministry to work with Myanmar authorities to assist the detained crew members.

Thai fishing boats frequently operate in Myanmar waters despite warnings, drawn by more abundant fish resources, according to Thai fishing authorities.

AJP