Myanmar’s navy fired on Thai fishing boats, killing 31 fishermen, Thailand said
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Myanmar’s navy opened fire on a group of Thai fishing boats on Saturday, killing one fisherman and capturing 31 crew members on one of the boats, a spokesman for Thailand’s Defense Ministry said.
Two of the 15 Thai fishing vessels were shot down after they traveled 7.4-10.6 kilometers in Myanmar waters, ministry spokesman Thanatip Sawangsang said in a statement.
Three fishermen jumped into the water during the incident, one of them drowned while the other two were rescued by the Thai navy, Thanatip said.
One of the boats, with 31 fishermen, was arrested by the Myanmar military during the tournament, Thanatip said, adding that the Thai navy is in talks to release them.
Myanmar’s ruling party did not immediately respond to a telephone request for comment.
The spokesperson of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nikorndej Balankura, said that the Ministry is also in contact with Myanmar authorities to release the fishermen and to check whether there is any violation of international law.
The fisheries department in Thailand’s southern Ranong province, which shares a maritime border with Myanmar, has urged Thai fishing vessels to exercise caution when sailing near the border.
Myanmar has been in crisis since 2021 when the military seized power, overthrew an elected government and sparked an armed conflict by suppressing protests with lethal force.
The rebels launched an unprecedented attack, taking control of border areas and raiding peaceful areas in the country.
The Thai military last week downplayed media reports about the tension on the country’s border with Myanmar in an area where there is conflict with armed groups, saying the reports were exaggerated.
