Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said yesterday that his ministry has issued a letter of concern over an incident at sea and has invited Myanmar's ambassador, U Chit Swe, for a meeting to protest over Myanmar navy patrol boats attacking a flotilla of Thai fishing vessels in waters off Ranong province on Saturday.
The incident left one Thai national dead, and the Myanmar navy took 31 fishing vessel crew members into custody, including four Thai nationals.
“We will emphasise to him that Myanmar must take responsibility for the incident, because their personnel used excessive force,” Maris said.
The meeting will also seek the swift release of the four Thai nationals and a clarification of what happened.
If the Thai fishing vessels in question had strayed into Myanmar waters, Maris said there are established rules of engagement to address such situations, rather than resorting to opening fire.
He expressed confidence that the Thai fishing crew will be released soon, citing ‘positive signs’. Both countries maintain good relations and the Thai side has continued negotiations through appropriate channels, he added.
