RANONG — A tragic incident occurred off Myanmar’s coast as Myanmar naval forces fired upon Thai fishing vessels, resulting in one fatality and the detention of 31 crew members. The confrontation took place approximately 19 km from Payam Island in Myanmar’s waters near Ranong Province.
The Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Center Region 3 (Thai-MECC) received a distress call at 00:45 from the fishing vessel “Mahalap Thanawat 4” operating in overlapping Thai-Myanmar waters. The vessel reported coming under fire from a Myanmar navy ship, sustaining significant damage and taking on water. Two crew members were initially reported injured.
The deceased crew member has been identified as Mr. Warakorn Jusiriphongkul, age 24. His body is expected to be transported to Ban Nam Khem in Takua Pa district, Phang-nga province.
Another Thai fishing vessel, “Sor Charoenchai 8,” was seized by Myanmar forces with all 31 crew members aboard and taken to Yan Chaik Island in Myanmar.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that according to Thai-MECC’s report, the Myanmar navy fired warning shots rather than intentionally targeting the vessels. However, the incident caused panic among crew members, with some jumping overboard.
Admiral Choengchai Chomchoengpaet, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy, announced an investigation to determine the exact location of the incident and jurisdiction boundaries. The immediate priority is securing the release of the detained Thai nationals.
In response, the Royal Thai Navy’s 3rd Naval Area Command has deployed patrol boats T.274 and T.993 to monitor Thai waters off Ranong province. They are also warning all vessels to avoid the maritime border area.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to direct the Royal Thai Embassy in Yangon to urgently coordinate with Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through diplomatic channels, which the embassy has already begun implementing.
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