BANGKOK/YANGON (Bernama): Thailand is working closely with its Myanmar counterpart to secure the release of four Thai fishermen detained in Kawthaung, Myanmar, said Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Phumtham, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said that negotiations are ongoing with Myanmar's central government and local authorities.
"We are doing everything within our capacity, including submitting a formal request to visit the four detained Thai nationals and requesting their release," he told reporters at Government House on Monday.
Phumtham said the Foreign Ministry has initiated negotiations, and the Thai Embassy in Myanmar has submitted a formal letter to Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"For now, we have to wait for the legal mechanisms in each country to take their course," he said.
Meanwhile, Phumtham confirmed that the four Thai crew members remain detained at a police station in Kawthaung.
He urged the media to refrain from speculating about the reasons behind the arrest or the timing of the crew's release.
"There’s nothing unusual here. Please wait and refrain from speculation," he urged.
It was reported on November 30 that a Myanmar warship opened fire on three Thai fishing vessels allegedly operating near Thai waters, resulting in one fatality and the detention of 31 others.
The vessels were reportedly fishing around 20 kilometres west of Koh Phayam when Myanmar boats approached, causing the fishermen to abandon their nets and hastily flee. - Bernama
