FOUR THAI FISHERMEN currently detained in Myanmar’s Kawthaung township would probably be freed early next month, said Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai today (Dec. 17).
Phumtham said he has been unofficially informed of the probability of the Thai fishing boat crew members being released from detention from the Myanmar southern coastal township on January 4 which marks Myanmar’s National Day.
The Pheu Thai deputy prime minister-cum-defence minister declined to comment on the latest developments of the incident, saying the safety and freedom of the detainees are a top priority at the moment.
The four Thais were among a total of 31 crewmembers of four Thai trawlers, most of whom are Myanmar migrant workers, who had been arrested by the Myanmar navy in the Andaman Sea off Ranong in southern Thailand on Nov. 30.
The Myanmar sailors opened gunfire from their patrol boats at the Thai trawlers prompting one of the crewmembers to jump overboard and drown in the sea and injuring a skipper with a bullet literally scratching his head.
The Thai authorities had formally protested the violent action perpetrated by the Myanmar navy whilst the Myanmar authorities had charged that those fishing boats had trespassed their maritime territory.
CAPTIONS:
Top: The four Thai fishermen detained in Myanmar are standing at the back with Myanmar crewmen likewise arrested seated in front. Photo: Thai Rath
Front Page: Thai trawler S. Charoenchai which the Myanmar navy seized. Photo: Thai Rath
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