Fishing for freedom: Thai crew released from Myanmar custody
Four Thai crew members are expected to be released today after being detained in Myanmar. The crew members belong to the Thai fishing vessel S. Charoenchai 8, which was intercepted by Myanmar’s navy.
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) confirmed that all crew members, including the four Thai nationals, are safe and that diplomatic efforts are underway to secure their release.
The incident occurred after the Thai vessel was reportedly fired upon by the Myanmar navy. The vessel, with a total of 31 crew members, had been docked at the Burenong Pier in Myanmar.
The RTN has been in constant communication with their Myanmar counterparts, coordinating efforts to ensure the safe return of the crew. The Thai-Myanmar Border Coordination Centre (TBC) is actively involved in negotiating the release of the four Thai crew members.
“Everyone is safe,” read a statement on the RTN’s Facebook page. Continuous coordination with the Myanmar Navy has ensured the safety of the crew, currently docked at the Burenong Pier. The statement also expressed hope for the release of the Thai crew members later today.
Thai officials, including the RTN and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are working closely with their Myanmar counterparts. Rear Admiral Kanokpol Pimthong, representing the RTN, is involved in the negotiations. The Thai officials submitted an official request for the release of the Thai nationals to the TBC in Myanmar.
The four Thai crew members, stationed on the vessel, are undergoing immigration processes in Myanmar. It remains uncertain whether they will face charges, potentially related to illegal entry.
The Thai-Myanmar Border Committee in Koh Song will deliberate on this matter before any handover of the crew. The crew members in question are 68 year old Sunan, the ship’s supervisor; 61 year old Sompong, an engineer; 64 year old Thaworn, also an engineer; and 69 year old Wiroj, a crew member.
Thai crew
If charges are pressed, the Thai crew may face proceedings at the Ranong Immigration Office, which could involve documenting the incident and facing fines at the Ranong Provincial Court. The status of the seized Thai fishing vessel and the 27 Myanmar crew members is also under consideration by Myanmar officials. Decisions are pending on whether the vessel and its crew will be returned to Thailand.
In the event of a formal handover, the Thai officials, led by the TBC Ranong and local immigration officials, will travel to Koh Song to officially retrieve the Thai crew members. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre in Ranong, along with the local immigration office, is prepared for the formalities involved in the crew’s return, reported KhaoSod.
This development follows reports from the Thai-Myanmar Local Border Committee, which confirmed that the S. Charoenchai 8 and its crew had reached Koh Song.
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