By Thai Newsroom Reporters
AN ANTICIPATED RELEASE of four Thai trawler crew members currently detained in Myanmar’s Kawthaung township is only a matter of time, concluded Thailand’s Defence Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Thanathip Sawangsang today (Dec. 7).
The army general said the freedom of the Thai fishermen awaited since the last few days is reportedly pending “legal procedures” on the part of Myanmar authorities beyond those sitting on the so-called Township Border Committee in the Myanmar coastal border township opposite Ranong in southern Thailand.
Last Saturday, the four Thais were arrested among 31 crewmembers, most of whom being Myanmar nationals hired aboard four fishing boats plying the Andaman Sea, after sailors aboard Myanmar navy patrol boats opened gunfire at the Thai trawlers, prompting the death of one crewmember who jumped over and drowned in the sea and the injury of two others, including a skipper with a bullet literally scratching his head.
The Myanmar authorities had accused the Thai trawlers of trespassing Myanmar’s territorial waters near Yan Cheuk island off Kawthaung township.
Nevertheless, Thailand had formally protested against Myanmar’s undue use of lethal force to cope with the alleged maritime intrusion by the Thai fishing boats.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page: The four Thai fishermen detained in Myanmar are standing at the back with Myanmar crewmen likewise arrested seated in front.
Insert: Maj. Gen. Thanathip Sawangsang. Both photos: Thai Rath
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