Navy Region 1 Intercepts Cambodian Fishing Boat Smuggling Illegal Seafood to Thai Vessels

On February 19, 2024, Rear Admiral Parich Ratchanaichaiphan, Navy Spokesperson, reported that at 2:30 PM, Navy Region 1's vessel T.228 was patrolling to protect national maritime interests and sovereignty in the eastern maritime border area. They discovered a suspicious vessel engaging in illegal cargo transport without customs clearance. Upon inspection, they found a Cambodian boat without registration numbers or vessel documents, crewed by three Cambodian nationals. Initial investigations revealed that the crew confessed to smuggling seafood from Cambodia to transfer to Thai fishing vessels at sea before returning home. The authorities have now brought the suspicious vessel and suspects ashore to be handed over to Khlong Yai Police Station for legal proceedings. The Navy reaffirmed its commitment to continuous maritime patrols and law enforcement to prevent illegal activities and maintain border security.