The Myanmar navy opened fire on a group of Thai fishing vessels on Saturday (30), causing a fisherman to drown, and detained 31 crew members from one of the boats, a spokesman for Thailand’s Defense Ministry said.
Two of the 15 Thai fishing vessels were fired upon after operating 7 to 10 km within Myanmar’s territorial waters, spokesman Thanatip Sawangsang said in a statement.
Three fishermen jumped into the water during the incident, one of whom drowned, while two were rescued by the Thai Navy, Thanatip said.
One of the boats, with 31 fishermen on board, was detained by the Myanmar Navy, according to Thanatip, who added that the Thai Navy was in negotiations to secure their release.
Myanmar’s ruling junta did not immediately respond to a telephone request for comment.
A spokesman for Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, Nikorndej Balankura, highlighted that the ministry was also coordinating with authorities in Myanmar to seek the release of the fishermen and assess whether any violations of international law had occurred.
The fisheries department in Thailand’s southern Ranong province, which shares a maritime border with Myanmar, has urged Thai fishing vessels to exercise caution when traveling near the border.
Myanmar has been in crisis since 2021, when the military seized power, overthrowing an elected government and triggering an armed rebellion by repulsing protests with lethal force.
The rebels have mounted unprecedented attacks, taking control of border areas and making incursions into the country’s previously peaceful central areas.
Thailand’s military last week downplayed local media reports of rising tensions at the land border with Myanmar in an area where there is a long-running dispute with the controlling armed ethnic group, saying the reports were exaggerated.
This content was originally published in Myanmar Navy shoots at fishing boats and detains 31 fishermen, says Thailand on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
