The RTN Third Area Command (3AC), based at Cape Panwa, reported that the 3AC Naval Operations Center was informed at 8:30am on Saturday (Oct 7) that three Indonesian fishing boats were seen operating about 46 nautical miles west of Promthep Cape, Phuket’s southernmost point.
Air reconnaissance at 10:50am confirmed the sighting of one Indonesian fishing vessel about 55 nautical miles west of Phuket, prompting the Navy to dispatch the HTMS Klaeng to inspect.
On Sunday (Oct 8), between 6am and 8:30am, the HTMS Klaeng found, searched and seized three Indonesian fishing boats located 70-80 nautical miles west Promthep Cape, the Navy reported yesterday.
The boats seized were named as the KM Rahmatjaya with a crew of 12 people, the KM Ikhlasbaru with a crew of 16 people; and the Kambiastar with a crew of 12 people.
All three boats and 40 people on board were brought back to Rassada Port and then taken to Chalong Police Station to be charged, the Navy confirmed
The Navy noted that people may report any illegal activities related to national security to the at 3AC Operations Center at 076-391598 or the Navy hotline 1696, or by calling the THAI-MECC 3 (Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center Region 3) Operations Center stationed at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command base at Cape Panwa at 09-2979 8405 or the THAI-MECC 3 hotline 1465 (24 hours).