Sovereignty Challenge! Navy Region 1 Dispatches Warships to Pursue 25 Cambodian Fishing Boats Invading Thai Waters
A sovereignty challenge unfolded as Navy Region 1 sent warships to pursue 25 Cambodian fishing boats invading Thai waters, who quickly turned and fled when naval vessels approached. On February 7, naval intelligence reported multiple Cambodian fishing boats illegally fishing in Thai waters near bearing line 211, raising maritime security concerns. Rear Admiral Chalermchai Suan Kaew, Commander of Navy Region 1, immediately ordered patrol boats T.996 and T.265 to investigate the area urgently. By 2:00 PM, the two ships arrived at the location and discovered approximately 25 Cambodian fishing boats clearly crossing the Thai-Cambodian maritime border by about one nautical mile. When the boats spotted the Thai patrol vessels, they immediately changed course and accelerated back towards Cambodian waters, evading capture. The latest report confirms all Cambodian fishing boats have returned to their territorial waters, while Thai naval vessels continue surveillance and patrol operations along bearing line 211 to monitor and deter further maritime incursions.