Thai Fishing Boats Targeted in Deadly Sea Clash with Myanmar Military
Ranong, Thailand – Tensions boiled over in the Andaman Sea on November 30, as Myanmar naval vessels allegedly unleashed a barrage of gunfire on Thai fishing boats operating in disputed waters, resulting in the death of one Thai fisherman and the capture of 31 others.
The incident, which sparked outrage in Thailand, unfolded as a group of Thai fishing boats were setting up nets near Koh Phayam, an island off the coast of Ranong Province. Witnesses reported seeing three Myanmar naval vessels approaching the Thai boats, followed by a chilling exchange of gunfire.
"A Myanmar warship…used its weapon[s] against a Thai fishing boat." recounted Somsap Chittatham, President of the Ranong Fishing Association, "The crew jumped overboard to escape, and one person drowned."
The attack left a scene of devastation. One boat, the Duangtaweephol 333, was severely damaged, with crew members reportedly scattering into the water in a desperate bid for survival. Another vessel, the S. Charoenchai 8, was seized by the Myanmar military and towed towards Yan Chueak Island, along with its 31-person crew, including four Thais and 27 Burmese.
Two injured Thai fishermen from a third boat, the Mahalapthanawat 4, were thankfully pulled to safety and transported to Ranong Hospital. One sailor, Sriphet Butthat, received a gunshot wound to the head, while another, Suchart Chumuang, suffered an electric shock.
The incident has triggered a swift response from Thai authorities. The Royal Thai Navy has contacted the Ministry of Defense, demanding the immediate release of the detained fishermen. Admiral Jiraphon Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.
"We have people who have been captured," Admiral Wongwit stated, "We are coordinating to help them, and asking what the reasons were in Myanmar. We need to see how much violence there was at the scene."
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai urged restraint, stating, "We are currently coordinating what the incident was like. First, the Navy negotiated with the Myanmar authorities because the original intention was not to attack territorial waters."
As diplomatic tensions escalate, the fate of the captured fishermen hangs in the balance. The incident has raised serious questions about maritime security in the region, and the potential for future confrontations between the two nations.
UPDATE:
The bodies of the missing crew members from the Duangtaweephol 333 were recovered on December 1.
2024-12-01 00:45:00
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