RANONG/BANGKOK — Four Thai fishermen have been sentenced by Myanmar’s Kawthaung Provincial Court for illegal entry and fishing in disputed waters, intensifying concerns over maritime boundary issues between the two nations.
The sentences, delivered on December 16, 2024, include a six-year prison term for the 61-year-old boat owner—five years for illegal fishing and one year for illegal entry—along with a fine of 200,000 Kyat (3,400 Baht, $95). Three Thai crew members, aged 61-69, received four-year sentences each, comprising three years for illegal fishing and one year for illegal entry, with fines of 30,000 Kyat (510 Baht, $14) per person.
Despite the verdicts, Myanmar’s court suspended the sentences after the boat captain admitted to fishing for mackerel in Myanmar waters. In an effort to maintain bilateral relations, all four Thai crew members are expected to be released and repatriated during the New Year 2025 holiday.
The incident occurred on the night of November 30, when Myanmar warships opened fire on Thai trawlers allegedly fishing 12 nautical miles west of Koh Phayam, an area with overlapping territorial claims. The attack resulted in the death of a Thai fisherman aboard the vessel Duang Thaweepol 333 and injuries to others. Myanmar forces subsequently seized the Thai vessel Sor. Charoenchai 8, detaining its 31 crew members—four Thai nationals and 27 Myanmar nationals—and towing the ship into Myanmar waters near Koh Yan Chueak.
Two weeks after the incident, diplomatic efforts by Thai authorities to secure the vessel’s return have yet to succeed. The Thai-Myanmar Border Committee (TBC) continues to press for the unconditional release of the crew and vessel. However, Myanmar officials insist the matter remains under Naypyidaw’s jurisdiction.
The Thai Purse Seine Association reported that the Myanmar warships opened fire without warning, targeting the bridge and control tower of the fishing boats. The Ranong Fisheries Bureau has since issued a notice urging Thai fishing operators to exercise caution near the maritime border, designating the overlapping zone off Koh Phayam as a high-risk area.
Historically, maritime boundary disputes between Thailand and Myanmar remain unresolved. While agreements cover 140 of the 195 nautical miles along the shared border, areas west of Koh Phayam and around Koh Lam, Koh Kan, and Koh Khi Nok remain contested. The lack of clarity continues to create tension, with incidents like the November 30 attack underscoring the challenges.
In response to the incident, Thai Navy vessels T.274 and T.993 have been deployed to patrol Ranong waters, enhancing security and emergency communications for fishing boats operating near the border.
The detained Myanmar crew members, meanwhile, have been sentenced to one year in prison each for illegal entry into Myanmar. The case highlights ongoing sovereignty issues and raises further calls for diplomatic resolution of maritime boundaries in the Andaman Sea.
