Thai Government Decries Myanmar's Attack on Fishing Boats as Overreaction
Thai Defence Minister Calls for Immediate Return of Detained Crew
The Thai government has labeled the Myanmar military's actions as an 'overreaction' after they opened fire on unarmed Thai fishing boats in the Andaman Sea.
The incident occurred on Saturday and resulted in the detention of four Thai crewmembers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the Thai Foreign Ministry has sent protest letters to Myanmar, emphasizing that the vessels involved were unarmed.
The Foreign Ministry has also summoned the Myanmar ambassador in Bangkok to discuss the situation.
The confrontation involved a fleet of 15 Thai fishing boats offshore from Ranong's Koh Phayam, where Myanmar ships intercepted them early Saturday morning.
One fisherman drowned, and two others were injured in the incident.
Thai authorities argue that warning shots should have been fired as part of standard protocol rather than opening fire.
Maj Gen Thanathip Sawangsaeng, Defence Ministry spokesman, noted that most fishing boats were not familiar with the area and might have strayed into Myanmar's waters.
The Thai government is seeking the return of the four detained Thais and 27 Myanmar nationals after the Myanmar military seized the Sor Charoenchai 8 fishing boat.
Meetings between Thai and Myanmar officials are scheduled in the coming days to discuss the release of detained personnel and prevent future incidents.
Gen Songwit Noonpackdee, chief of defense forces, reassured the public that the detained Thais are safe.