Four Thai fishermen still held in Myanmar after mass prisoner release
Four Thai fishing vessel crew members remain detained in Myanmar, despite the release of 151 Thai prisoners. These individuals were apprehended in late November by Myanmar soldiers, accused of trespassing into Myanmar waters.
The group of 151 Thai nationals, repatriated yesterday, January 4, via the second Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge in Chiang Rai, were part of a larger amnesty granted by Myanmar to coincide with its independence day. Senior Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT), Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, confirmed their return.
“We have coordinated with Myanmar officials for an urgent flight to bring 151 Thai nationals back home to assist victims and expand efforts to apprehend online gambling and call centre scam gangs,” he emphasised.
Thatchai, along with other high-ranking police officials, was present in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district to oversee the prisoners’ arrival. His assignment came directly from Kittharath Punpetch, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, to ensure the repatriation was handled smoothly.
Upon their return, the individuals will undergo a thorough screening process to differentiate between those deceived into criminal activities and those actively participating in online gambling or call centre scams. The Thai police have comprehensive records of those involved, including individuals who may falsely claim victim status to evade prosecution.
Thatchai has urged officers from the PCT and other state officials to rigorously investigate and prosecute those implicated in these criminal networks.
Crew members
Myanmar’s recent amnesty, as reported by local media, included the release of roughly 5,864 prisoners, consisting of 600 Myanmar politicians and 180 foreign nationals, primarily from Thailand and Indonesia. These foreigners had been detained for illegal activities, such as online gambling in Tachileik or illegal fishing in Myanmar waters.
“Most of the foreign prisoners released were Thai and Indonesian nationals involved with illegal online gambling or illegal fishing,” detailed Gen Zaw Min Tun of Myanmar.
Despite the mass release, the four Thai crew members of a fishing trawler, detained after a gun attack on 15 fishing boats off Ranong on November 30, remain in custody. This attack resulted in the tragic death of one crew member who drowned after jumping into the sea.
Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had previously assured the media of their release by January 4, a sentiment echoed by Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, who anticipated their freedom soon after the new year. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also hinted at forthcoming positive news regarding the crew’s release.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub refrained from commenting, and Phumtham was unavailable for remarks, leaving the timeline for the crew’s release uncertain, reported Bangkok Post.
The situation has prompted Nipit Intarasombat, a former Democrat MP from Phatthalung, to question the government about the incident. He inquired about the truth behind the fishermen’s alleged intrusion into Myanmar’s waters and whether the Thai government has provided any legal support to the detained crew members.
