Thailand Protests Incident Involving Myanmar’s Navy Firing on Thai Fishing Vessels
Incident Details
On Saturday, Myanmar’s navy fired on Thai fishing vessels, resulting in the death of one fisherman, injury to two others, and the detention of dozens of fishermen from one of the boats. The incident has sparked outrage in Thailand, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressing concern over the use of force.
Questions Over Territorial Waters
Shinawatra has questioned claims that the fishing boats had intruded into Myanmar’s territorial waters, saying that the exact location of the vessels at the time of the incident is still unclear. According to the Thai defense ministry, two of the 15 Thai fishing vessels were fired on when they were 4-5.7 nautical miles (7.4-10.6 km) inside Myanmar’s territorial waters near the southern Thai province of Ranong.
Thai Government’s Response
The Thai government has condemned the use of force and is seeking more information about the incident. Shinawatra stated, "We don’t support violence whatever the circumstances," and added that Thailand is seeking a quick release of four Thai nationals who were among the 31 fishermen detained.
The Thai defense ministry has sent a letter to Myanmar through a local border mechanism, demanding clear details about what happened and a quick return of the Thai boat and crew detained. Additionally, the Thai foreign minister has issued a letter of concern to the Myanmar government and summoned the Myanmar ambassador for a meeting on Monday to seek clarification about the incident and the release of the four Thai nationals.
Myanmar’s Military Coup and Ongoing Crisis
Myanmar has been in crisis since 2021 when the military seized power, toppling an elected government and sparking an armed rebellion by crushing protests with lethal force. The country has been plagued by political instability, violence, and human rights abuses, making it a challenging environment for diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Thailand and Myanmar, with both countries having a complex and often contentious relationship. The Thai government’s response to the incident is a significant step towards addressing the issues and promoting better relations between the two nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in the incident?
A: Myanmar’s navy fired on Thai fishing vessels, resulting in the death of one fisherman, injury to two others, and the detention of dozens of fishermen from one of the boats.
Q: Did the Thai fishing boats intrude into Myanmar’s territorial waters?
A: The exact location of the vessels at the time of the incident is still unclear, and the Thai government has questioned claims that the fishing boats had intruded into Myanmar’s territorial waters.
Q: What is the Thai government’s response to the incident?
A: The Thai government has condemned the use of force, is seeking more information about the incident, and is demanding a quick release of four Thai nationals who were among the 31 fishermen detained.