Vietnamese Fishing Boat Rams Thai Naval Vessel During Arrest

TRAT, Feb 26 (TNA) - A Vietnamese fishing boat rammed a Thai naval vessel during an operation to apprehend 10 Vietnamese fishing boats illegally operating in Thai waters off the coast of Trat province.

The incident occurred on February 25.

The Royal Thai Navy Region 1 reported that the fishing boats were initially detected on February 22, engaging in illegal fishing activities within Thailand's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The vessels, a mix of trawlers, purse seiners, and light luring boats, were observed operating primarily at night near Khlong Yai district, Trat province, and retreating during the day.

On February 25, naval forces intercepted the vessels.During the operation, one of the Vietnamese boats attempted to create an opening for other boats to escape capture by ramming the HTMS Thepha, causing damage to the warship's side.The vessel was subsequently apprehended, along with its four crew members. The remaining boats fled the scene.

Vice Admiral Arpa Chapanon, Director of the Maritime Enforcement Command Center Region 1, confirmed the incident, stating that the captured boat deliberately collided with the HTMS Thepha.

The apprehended crew members have been handed over to the Khlong Yai police for further legal proceedings. -819 (TNA)