Reports indicate that the Thai Navy has detained two Myanmar cargo boats for allegedly entering Thai territorial waters.  

On February 7, the Thai Navy patrol vessels TOR 274 and TORA 271 intercepted the two Myanmar boats near Ranong District, approximately eight miles from the coast, after receiving a tip-off from a Thai maritime fishing network.  

The first boat, labeled TRC 556 NGWE TOE HLAING in both English and Myanmar script, had seven Myanmar crew members on board. The second boat was manned by a Thai captain and five Myanmar crew members.  

A resident of Kawthaung, Myanmar, explained, “The two Myanmar boats are legally registered and owned by a single owner. They had just delivered rubber sheets to Malaysia and were waiting for a Thai boat to bring them drinking water and supplies when they were detained. Thai boats often enter Myanmar waters, and we hear about it regularly. This time, they weren’t fishing illegally or smuggling goods. They were simply waiting for supplies when they were seized.”  

The two Myanmar boats had departed from Mawlamyine, Mon State, on January 15, carrying rubber sheets to Penang Port in Malaysia. On January 27, they began their return journey but ran low on fuel, drinking water, and supplies. While waiting for a Thai supply boat to deliver 200 liters of diesel, engine oil, and food, they were detained by the Thai Navy.  

The Thai Navy cited several reasons for the detention, including allegations of transporting goods without proper customs documentation, entering Thai waters without authorization, and the Myanmar crew members lacking valid border-crossing permits.  

On February 8, the two boats and their crew were taken to Hin Chan Deep Sea Port in Thailand. Police Colonel Sombat, the chief of Panam Police Station, is reportedly handling the case in accordance with Thai laws.