Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra condemned the Myanmar military juntaโs actions on Sunday following an attack on Thai fishing boats by Myanmarโs navy in Ranong Province. The attack, which took place the previous day, resulted in the capture of several crew members, including four Thai nationals. The Prime Minister expressed strong opposition to any form of violence and stated that Thailand would thoroughly investigate the incident, confirming that negotiations were underway for the release of four Thai nationals among the detained crew.
Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also voiced his objection, criticizing Myanmarโs use of force to resolve the issue. He added that Thailand had sent a formal request to the Myanmar military junta, urging them to release the Thai nationals swiftly and provide a detailed explanation of the incident.
Thailandโs navy has warned that it is prepared to retaliate if Myanmarโs forces enter Thai waters and attack Thai vessels. Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, the head of Thailandโs navy, stated that if Myanmarโs military aggression occurred within Thai territorial waters, the Thai navy would respond in kind.
The attack occurred off the coast of Ranong, where Myanmarโs navy fired on Thai fishing boats, resulting in the death of one fisherman and the capture of 31 crew members, including the four Thai nationals. According to Thailandโs Ministry of Defense, two of the 15 Thai fishing vessels were fired upon by Myanmar forces while navigating in a disputed area of Myanmarโs waters, approximately four to five miles from the border.
In an announcement made on Monday night, the Myanmar junta claimed the boats had illegally entered Myanmar waters and were linked to armed groups, though no specific details of the materials found on board have been disclosed. Military spokesperson General Zaw Min Tun stated that both countries were in communication and that Myanmar had notified Thai officials about the ongoing investigation.
Witnesses reported that the confrontation occurred at approximately 1:15 a.m. on Saturday near the coast of Koffram, about 12 miles from Ranong, involving several Myanmar-flagged vessels and 15 Thai fishing boats.
The Myanmar military junta denied causing any casualties and insisted that its actions were in line with established procedures.
ใณใกใณใ