BANGKOK — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand issued a statement on January 5 updating the negotiations for the release of four Thai crew members who were not among the 152 prisoners released during Myanmar’s Independence Day on January 4.
Thailand expressed disappointment that the release process for these individuals has not been completed, as Myanmar authorities are still reviewing the case through relevant procedures.
On January 3, 2025, Thai embassy officials were granted permission to escort the crew members’ relatives to visit the four Thai nationals in Kawthaung Province, Tanintharyi Region. The officials reported that all four crew members were in good health and spirits, receiving adequate care and three meals daily. The embassy also provided them with essential supplies and updated them on Thailand’s latest diplomatic efforts for their release.
The ministry emphasized the delicate nature of the situation, which involves the crew members’ release, bilateral fishing issues, and overall Thai-Myanmar relations. The statement outlined a two-pronged approach:
- Continuing diplomatic efforts to secure the crew members’ release, subject to Myanmar’s internal processes
- Addressing the broader issues through the existing Thai-Burma Joint Boundary Committee (TBC) mechanism
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies assure that we will continue to pursue all available channels to secure the release of the four Thai nationals,” the statement concluded.
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