Thailand urges swift release of citizens detained by Myanmar

Thailand urged Myanmar’s ambassador to urgently work for the release of four Thai citizens who are currently detained in Myanmar, following an incident in which their fishing boat was fired upon by Myanmar naval ships off the coast of Ranong last week.

Piyapak Sricharoen, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, met with Myanmar’s ambassador to Thailand, U Chit Swe, who expressed his regret over the incident.

According to Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, the Myanmar ambassador agreed to raise the issue with his government in Nay Pyi Taw. Minister Maris assured the public that Thailand is doing everything possible to secure the release of the Thai crew members.

Minister Maris further shared that he had personally reached out to Than Swe, Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister, via text, calling for a transparent investigation into the incident. Than Swe assured his full support for a comprehensive inquiry.

In addition, the Thai ambassador in Yangon has been instructed to travel to Nay Pyi Taw to discuss the matter with Myanmar’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We will continue to engage Myanmar through all available diplomatic channels to ensure the safe return of the four Thai nationals,” Minister Maris said.

The incident occurred on November 30 when Thai fishing boats strayed into Myanmar’s waters, about 6 to 7 kilometres off the Thai coast. During the confrontation, one fisherman drowned after jumping into the sea.

A total of 31 crew members, including four Thai citizens, were detained by Myanmar officials. A Thai national and a Myanmar citizen are being treated at a hospital in Ranong following the incident.

Thai officials have issued a warning to vessels operating near the Thai-Myanmar border to exercise caution. The incident has also reignited tensions over illegal fishing practices and maritime boundary disputes in the Andaman Sea.

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that a local border coordination committee from both countries has begun discussions to resolve the issue. Phumtham emphasized that all actions must follow diplomatic protocols and stated that the Thai military is fully committed to addressing the matter, reported Bangkok Post.

The fishing boats involved were not armed, which raises questions about the excessive response from Myanmar’s navy, according to officials.