The Thai Foreign Minister will be inviting Myanmar’s ambassador to discuss the release of four Thai fishing boat crew that have been detained by the Burmese military.
On 30 November 2024, a Burmese warship fired at three Thai fishing boats that had been seining for fish in the Andaman Sea, 12 nautical miles off the coast of Phayam island, Ranong province.
The incident resulted in both death and injury and the seizure of SS Charoenchai 8 with 31 crew, four of which were Thai, by the Burmese authority. The crews are currently detained at Zadetkyi Island, Kawthoung province, Myanmar.
On 2 December, Maris Sangiampongsa, Thai Foreign Minister, invited Myanmar’s ambassador to the Department of Foreign Affairs, to discuss an investigation of the incident, and urged the release of four Thai detainees.
Earlier Maris said that he had talked with the ambassador, demanding responsibility for the incursion, as for the hostages, there was already a discussion on Nov. 30 with the Burmese authority, and on Dec. 2 would be confirming a rescue effort for four Thai crew, which will be a cooperative effort from both border control and the department. Right now all four Thai hostages are safe and sound since Thai-Burmese relations are still positive.
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence stated that The Border Consortium (TBC) has sent a letter protesting the violence, demanding a fair investigation into the matter, and returning both Thai boat and crew. Both sides are currently under negotiation, with the Thai Foreign Minister coordinating the effort.
