Detained Thai crew return home after Myanmar pardon
Four Thai crew members, detained by Myanmar officials since November last year, returned to Ranong province yesterday afternoon.
Ras Chaleechan, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, led a Thai delegation, including members of the Thailand-Myanmar Township Border Committee and senior officials from relevant agencies, via speedboat to Myanmar’s Kawthaung province to receive the crew members.
The Myanmar government released them following a pardon granted after diplomatic negotiations. Ras expressed gratitude to the Myanmar officials for their clemency.
Upon arriving in Ranong yesterday, March 29, the crew members were warmly embraced by their families.
The crew members were identified as boat skipper 68 year old Sunan Mongkuthong, 61 year old Sompong Wiwat, 64 year old Thavorn Promimit, and 69 year old Wiroj Saphanthong Na Nakhon.
The Thai fishermen were detained by Myanmar on November 30 last year after their fishing boats allegedly entered disputed waters. A gun attack by Myanmar patrol boats on the trawlers resulted in one crew member jumping into the sea and dying.
On January 4, the Myanmar government released 151 Thai prisoners. Upon their return to Thailand, they underwent a screening process to identify people deceived into operations and those involved in online gambling or call centre scams, reported Bangkok Post.
Royal Thai Navy spokesperson Admiral Pasukree Wilairak stated that this successful repatriation resulted from close cooperation between the navies and foreign ministries of both nations. Coordination took place at all levels, including through the naval attaché in Yangon.
At the military level, discussions were held between the commanders-in-chief and senior military officials of both countries, along with agencies such as the Maritime National Interest Protection Command Center (MNI-PCC). This operation was a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between Thailand and Myanmar.
In Phang Nga province, Governor Pairat Phetchuon instructed relevant agencies to prepare for the fishermen’s return later this evening.
Today, March 30, he, along with other government officials, plans to visit and personally extend support to the fishermen in Ban Nam Khem, Bang Muang subdistrict, Takua Pa district, Phang Nga province, reported Thairath.
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