Thai crew’s release from Myanmar expected post-new year
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the four Thai crew members detained in Myanmar are anticipated to be released shortly after the new year. The crew, held following a maritime incident, are awaiting the conclusion of Myanmar’s legal processes, though their safety remains uncompromised.
The Thai foreign minister and his Myanmar counterpart are scheduled to meet on December 19. As of now, the release of the four is still pending Myanmar’s legal procedures. But there isn’t any problem with their safety, the Thai premier stated.
Considering the outcome of previous informal talks, everything, including the paperwork, should be done shortly after the new year.
PM Paetongtarn has been in communication with Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Than Swe, as well as the Thai ambassador to Myanmar. The 38 year old prime minister expressed her concerns regarding the safety of the detained individuals and emphasised her desire for their prompt release.
Discussions also covered the legal challenges the crew members face. PM Paetongtarn noted that some details still require finalisation.
The crew members are being held in Kawthaung, adjacent to Ranong, after a violent encounter on November 30. During the incident, Myanmar patrol boats opened fire on 15 fishing vessels near Thailand’s southern province, leading one crew member to jump into the sea, resulting in a fatality.
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a list-MP and deputy leader of the opposition People’s Party (PP), called for expedited governmental intervention. He argued that even if the vessels had entered Myanmar’s territorial waters, the patrol boats’ response was disproportionate.
Wiroj urged Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as defence minister, to secure a definitive release date and seek compensation from Myanmar for the casualties and injuries incurred during the confrontation.
If the Township Border Committee (TBC) approach is ineffective, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could convene discussions with the Myanmar ambassador, Wiroj suggested, reported Bangkok Post.
Furthermore, Phumtham might address the issue during the ASEAN ministerial meeting in Bangkok on December 20 concerning the Myanmar situation, or pursue direct negotiations with his Myanmar counterpart.
Alternatively, the prime minister could engage directly with Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, Wiroj added.
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